Nigella Lawson rebuffs suggestion her cooking shows are innuendo ridden in awkward TV interview

Chef becomes noticeably irritated as Australian host insinuates that her presenting style has sexual undertones

Nigella Lawson has hit back at an Australian TV host’s suggestion she deliberately uses innuendo during her cooking shows.

The celebrity chef became visibly frustrated after presenter Hamish Macdonald read out quotes from her shows in an apparent attempt to insinuate her presenting style has sexual undertones.

"I’ve been intrigued to read you’ve been rejecting all of the analysis of your cooking shows… all this kind of innuendo," MacDonald said on Channel Ten’s The Project show. "You’re saying: ‘I don’t do it on purpose, it’s not part of the plan’. But I’ve got some quotes."

Quoting Lawson, he added: "My empty vessels are ready to be loaded, I adore the way it comes bulging up over the rim".

Noticeably irritated, the chef, who is estimated to have sold more than 3 million cookery books worldwide, insisted his suggestion she deliberately uses innuendo was wrong.

Appearing lost for words, she replied: "Yes but why, tell me this – it’s an empty vessel… When I say it…"

Macdonald interjected and again appeared to imply the use of language was intentional.

"You have this way of saying things," he insisted.

Hitting back, Lawson replied: “I have this way of people projecting things on me. I’m so not. I don’t get it. I need you to explain to me."

Viewers criticised Macdonald’s questioning and accused him of sexism on social media.

“Disrespectful way to end an otherwise good interview. I hope Hamish has apologised to Nigella,” said Twitter user, Gareth Hallaran.

“Honestly Hamish, she’s said she doesn’t intend the double entendres on her show. How disrespectful to ask further. Have you learned nothing from the #metoo #TimesUp movement? Your behaviour was inappropriate. Pull your head in. And good on ya @Nigella_Lawson for pushing back,” added another.

A third added: "Hope you ask Gordon Ramsay that same question you asked Nigella Lawson."

Over Christmas, Lawson wooed viewers on an episode of Nigella: At My Table by coining a new word “quackling” – a reference to the crispy skin on a roast duck.