Great British Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding admitted that his co-host Alison Hammond broke a rule behind the scenes on the iconic set after learning “the hard way”
Daniel Windham Assistant Editor, Trendswatch and Robin Cottle Assistant Editor Trendswatch
17:40, 29 Mar 2026
Noel Fielding said Alison Hammond broke a Bake Off rule (Image: Mark Bourdillon Love Productions)
Noel Fielding admits his Great British Bake Off co-star Alison Hammond broke a key rule on the show after “learning the hard way”. The pair have presented Bake Off together since Alison took over presenting duties from Matt Lucas in 2023.
By that stage Noel was a veteran of six series of the hit show and there is one important rule everyone on the set must abide by. The Channel 4 baking show, which is known for its colourful displays, delicious baked treats and iconic tent, is a feast for the eyes.
But while it seems the kitchen is filled with tasty cakes for snacking, most of it is strictly off-limits, according to Noel. Journalist Boudicca Fox Leonard headed to the famous tent in Welford Park, Berkshire, to uncover the secrets behind the iconic show which first aired in 2010.
There’s one rule which must never be broken on the Bake Off set. The cast and the crew are both warned: “Don’t eat the displays.” This is despite the set looking “as delectable as cricket cream tea” according to the journalist.
Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding present Bake Off together (Image: PA)
She said Noel, 52, repeated this warning while she was “eyeing up the set dressing of sponge fingers, party rings and jars of marshmallows”. The presenter said: “They are not to be touched. Alison found that out the hard way.”
Much of the food on display isn’t even edible, with some items made from polystyrene. Others have been left lying around for weeks, months or even years and are solely for decorative purposes, with the presenter advising against tasting the props.
When quizzed about the authenticity of some scrummy-looking hot cross buns displayed on a nearby table, Noel gave a solid reason for not eating them: “They are real. But feel them – they’re like rock. You’d need gnashers like a nutcracker to eat them.”
Alison also presents This Morning, pictured with Dermot O’Leary (Image: ITV)
Even the edible props aren’t safe after filming finishes for the day. One member of the team explained to the journalist: “We have to put all the real stuff away at night because the squirrels come and eat it otherwise.”
Noel and Alison are back for The Great Celebrity Bake Off to raise money for Stand Up to Cancer. Celebrities taking part include Molly-Mae Hague and JoJo Siwa. The show kicked off last Sunday and other famous faces taking part include former I’m A Celeb champ Vicky Pattison, radio presenter Scott Mills and Ralf Little.
Alison, who has been one of the presenters for the last three Bake Off series, quickly charmed the judges, contestants and viewers with her infectious personality. The This Morning host brought a fresh energy to the Bake Off tent during her debut series.
Last year’s Bake Off team l-r: Prue Leith, Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
While she was new to the iconic Bake Off brand, Alison was no novice when it came to cooking shows on TV. She has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef while she’s also hosted cooking segments on daytime programmes.
She did admit to being nervous about joining such a beloved show. She said at the time she secured the Bake Off gig: “It’s a massive privilege to be part of an iconic show.” As well as Bake Off and This Morning, Alison has been a contestant on a number of reality shows including I’m A Celeb and Strictly Come Dancing.
Catch The Great Celebrity Bake Off tonight (Sunday, March 29) from 7.40pm to 9pm on Channel 4. Noel and Alison will be joined by judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden, the latter an internationally renowned pastry chef.
