The Loose Women star has said that Alison took to her new presenting role like ‘a duck to water’ after she replaced Matt Lucas on the Channel 4 show

Judi Love has sung the praises of Alison Hammond following her debut co-presenting The Great British Bake Off. Alison took to screens alongside Noel Fielding as a new bunch of budding bakers took on a set of challenges.

The second episode of the new series is set to hit Channel 4 tomorrow (Tuesday, October 3) as the contestants battle it out over biscuits. They will each attempt to win the converted role of Star Baker – and maybe even a handshake from Paul Hollywood himself.

And one person who will be tuning in is Bake Off fan and Loose Women star, Judi Love. The 42-year-old is friends with Alison, and has praised her performance so far on the show.

She said that the This Morning presenter has taken to it “like a duck to water.” In her OK! column, Judi wrote: “It was a joy to see Alison Hammond taking to her new presenting position like a duck to water – she looked as though she was having the time of her life!”

Judi Love has praised Alison Hammond over her GBBO debut

Alison previously said that she got the ‘VIP treatment’ from Paul Hollywood when she stepped into the famous Bake Off tent for the first time. She made the claims during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show on Friday, September 29.

She explained to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: “So on the first day he asked ‘Do you want a lift to the hotel?’ so I said ‘Yeah, great’ and he’s got a really nice car – a little bit of a Lamborghini – and I’ve never been in one of them before.”

Noel said: “It was like Batman’s car wasn’t it?” Laughing, Alison continued: “It was like Batman’s car. I mean it was a struggle for me to get in first of all. I had to get myself into the car first, it’s like it’s on the floor. So unlady-like, my legs were wide open.

“I finally got in and I said ‘Where shall I put my bag? I’ve got my bag with me’ and he just got someone else to take it. So I got into the car, let’s just say I’m never going to do it again, it was the most frightening ride I’ve ever had in my entire life. It was so scary.”

Alison took over the presenting role from Little Britain star Matt Lucas after he quit over work conflicts. He previously shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Farewell Bake Off! It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers. But it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.

“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent. I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!”