Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson pictured together for first time

Ms Lawson has joined the popular TV show as a judge, replacing Cotswolds resident Dame Prue Leith, who joined back in 2017.

Dame Prue had replaced Dame Mary Berry, who lives in Henley, when the programme switched from the BBC to Channel 4.

Oxford University graduate Ms Lawson is the latest to step into the role and will judge alongside Mr Hollywood, who has been present since the show’s inception.

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This month, both judges were pictured together for the first time ahead of working together in a viral social media post.

As an April Fools’ joke, Ms Lawson uploaded a photograph of herself with Mr Hollywood to her Instagram page.

She jested: “AN ANNOUNCEMENT: I know you were led to believe that I would be joining Paul Hollywood on Great British Bake Off, but, as you can clearly see, we are in fact a hard-bitten, seen-it-all detective (PH) and a lugubrious forensic pathologist (NL) solving crimes in the Ruhr Valley.

“My hair and make-up by Tricia Woolston; Paul’s his own!”

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Paul Hollywood. (Image: PA)

Fans welcomed the “announcement” well, with many making subsequent jokes about the duo in those would-be crime drama roles.

“Crime Bruleé…the new hit detective drama coming soon,” said one commenter.

Another added: “Cakespeare & Meecrowahvay.”

Pastry chef Nicola Lamb quipped: “I think it was Professor Plum in the tent with the offset spatula.”

In just over a week, the post has amassed over 60,000 likes.