Nigella Lawson's Secret Bake Off Group Name Revealed as Paul Hollywood Explains Why She's 'Salty'

Nigella Lawson and her fellow The Great British Bake Off stars have a private WhatsApp group called the 'Salty Gang', with Paul Hollywood explaining that the name comes from the new judge's preference for salt and savoury flavours.

Hollywood revealed the group name during an interview with The Guardian, where he and Lawson discussed their new judging partnership. Lawson has joined the programme as a judge for its latest series, replacing Dame Prue Leith alongside returning judge Hollywood.

The new judge has also been settling into the Bake Off team away from the tent. Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding described some of her backstage habits during an appearance on the Dish podcast, including her habit of reading in her shepherd's hut and bringing homemade food for the cast and crew.

Lawson's Backstage Routine

Each presenter and judge on Bake Off is provided with a shepherd's hut facing the main filming area. Fielding said Lawson can often be seen reading in hers between filming, reclining on a chaise longue surrounded by books.

He joked that Lawson's position across the chaise longue leaves visitors with little room to sit when she invites them inside. Hammond also recalled watching Lawson in the make-up trailer as she prepared for filming.

The presenters said Lawson has brought homemade food from her kitchen to share with the cast and production crew, including bread, cheese and salted granola. The food has added to the running joke about Lawson's taste for salt, which became the inspiration for the group's WhatsApp name.

Why The Group Is Called 'Salty Gang'

Hollywood said the group name reflects Lawson's preference for salt, while Lawson explained that she does not simply want food to taste salty. She said a small amount can balance sweetness and that she particularly likes citrus flavours and sharper or more bitter notes.

That difference in taste has become part of the judging dynamic between the two chefs. Hammond and Fielding said Lawson and Hollywood sometimes disagree while assessing bakes, with Fielding describing their exchanges as 'sparky'.

Lawson has described their roles as complementary. She said she tends to focus on flavour, taste and texture, while Hollywood brings greater emphasis to baking technique.

The pair had an informal chemistry test at a Channel 4 event before Lawson was officially cast. Lawson said they spoke for about 10 minutes and quickly found they worked well together.

Lawson Settles Into The Bake Off Team

Lawson also made a point of meeting her new colleagues before filming began. She invited Hollywood to her home for drinks, while Fielding visited her for tea and was served a cake. She met Hammond for lunch after the pair had previously worked together on This Morning.

Hollywood said Lawson fit into the programme and wider production team quickly. Lawson had previously expressed some apprehension about taking on the role after Leith's departure, saying she was not a professional baker or technician but could contribute her knowledge of food, flavour and texture.

Her first series as a judge began on Channel 4 on 22 September, with Hollywood returning alongside her and Hammond and Fielding continuing as presenters.

The 'Salty Gang' name reflects the informal relationship that has developed among the cast, while Lawson and Hollywood's different approaches to flavour and technique have become part of the judging dynamic in the new series.