The countdown is well and truly on for the start of the new series of The Great British Bake Off on Tuesday night. And despite rumours of a ‘bitter battle of egos’ between new judge Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood – the Bake Off gang looked in great spirits in a fun behind the scenes moment. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Alison shared a fun snap of her sat with Paul, her fellow host Noel Fielding and Nigella all balanced on her knee. She penned: ‘We always believe in supporting each other on bake off ! Bake off starts tonight on @channel4 @nigellalawson @paul.hollywood @noel_fielding don’t miss it It’s a goodie @britishbakeoff.’The host added in the comments: ‘So excited for tonight ! You will all just love Nigella.’Responding Nigella replied: ‘Great, love-filled BTS moment!’ Bake Off’s Nigella Lawson, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Alison Hammond shared a fun BTS moment as they gear up for series launch on Tuesday nightOther celebrities were also excited ahead of the new series as Alan Carr penned: ‘I’m so excited!!!’ and Bake Off’s 2024 winner Georgie Grasso added: ‘Cannot wait to watch you all.’Nigella was announced as Prue Leith’s replacement in January this year, following the restaurateur’s decision to step down after nine years in the famous white marquee.The hosting changes also extend to its spin-off show, Extra Slice, which has been replaced by Second Helpings.Presenters Jo Brand and Tom Allen have stepped aside, with Judi Love and Jon Richardson replacing them.However rumours have been swirling for months that Paul and Nigella haven’t gelled after the domestic goddess joined the lineup. A source told the Daily Mail’s Katie Hind that Nigella reportedly found Paul’s method of commuting to the tent via private helicopter as ‘gauche and silly’.Meanwhile at the Channel 4 launch earlier this month the judges notably didn’t stand next to each other on the red carpet. Nigella herself confessed she is ‘no polished’ baker as she shared her concerns ahead of the new series.The 66-year-old told the Radio Times: ‘I was a bit worried because, well, you wouldn’t mark me up for my polished finishes as a baker.’Generally speaking, I don’t think of myself as a judge. I came to baking later in life and because of that it’s something that intrigues and fascinates me. ‘I’ve learnt by doing and I’m a home baker, not a professional. It’s quite interesting because the contestants are home bakers, too, so I have sympathy for that.’For more than two decades, Nigella has worn the tiara of the British food culture scene, famed for her best-selling cookery books and television shows including Simply Nigella.Bake Off is not Nigella’s first foray into the world of televised cooking competitions but her previous judging positions centred around scrutinising professional chefs in MasterChef Australia rather than amateur bakers.Nigella is acutely aware of the big boots she is expected to fill as she describes her new role: ‘I felt it was a huge leap, but it’s been lovely.’Her fellow judge Paul has previously worked alongside Dame Mary Berry and Dame Prue Leith since the show first aired 16 years ago.Paul said: ‘The thing is Mary was different to Prue, Prue was different to Nigella and Nigella is different to Mary.’They each bring their own character to it, and Nigella is a very warm person, especially to the bakers. More so than Mary was and I think more akin to Prue.’There’s a very nurturing nature to Nigella, which was quite strong this year. Whereas me, I suppose I’m the constant. So I remain in my position of being constructively critical.’And ahead of its return, Channel 4 has revealed the lineup of amateur bakers taking part in this year’s series, including a self-confessed ‘drag king’ who has not one but two partners.