Nigella Lawson

Nigella's Christmas Kitchen led to the commissioning of a 13-part cookery series entitled Nigella Express.[62] The series began to air on BBC Two on 3 September 2007, suggesting ways of making simple and quick dishes.[63] Lawson admitted the recipes were not "particularly healthy",[64] although she added, "I wouldn't describe them as junk".[65] The show became another ratings success and one of BBC Two's top-rated shows each week.[66] The first episode debuted with 2.85 million viewers,[67] a high percentage above the channel's slot average.[68] The second episode's viewing figures rose to 3.30 million,[69] and the series peaked at 3.40 million on 22 October 2007.[70] Her influence with the public was again demonstrated when sales of Riesling wine increased by 30 percent in Britain after she had incorporated it into her Coq au Riesling recipe on Nigella Express.[71] Later on a separate occasion, a similar trend was seen in the sales figures of the liqueur, advocaat after Lawson had endorsed it on the show.[72]

The television series of Nigella Express was subject to criticism from The Daily Mail when it emerged that a bus Lawson was seen travelling on during the programme had been hired and filled with extras.[43] The producers responded by saying, "This series is a factual entertainment cooking show, not an observational documentary and it is perfectly normal procedure".[43] There was further controversy when it was revealed that the kitchens in which Lawson was seen cooking were in two separate locations; one in her home and the other in a London television studio.[43] Lawson also came under criticism when viewers complained that she had gained weight since the debut episode of the series.[73] Critics criticised the series for containing what they described as "scenes of gluttony not seen since the golden age of the Cookie Monster".[74] The Guardian however, noted, "the food matches her appearance - flawless, polished and sexy".[75] The rights to Nigella Express have been sold to the Food Network in America,[43] and to Discovery Asia.[76] The series was nominated at the 35th Daytime Emmy Awards in the United States for Outstanding Lifestyle Program, and Lawson herself for the Outstanding Lifestyle Host.[77]