Stacey Solomon admits to backlash nerves ahead of 'Bake Off' debut - as viewers' opinion is split

Stacey Solomon admitted she was suffering first day new job nerves on Tuesday as she feared a backlash from viewers over her Bake Off: The Professionals debut.

The Loose Women panellist has joined Liam Charles as his new co-host after Tom Allen left the Channel 4 series, but the jury is still out on her casting as some people said they were switching off, while others thought she was an inspired choice.

Read more: Petition to ban Katie Price owning pets gets more than 20k signatures

Posting an Instagram story ahead of the episode airing on Tuesday, Solomon said: "I'm so nervous because when you're on the telly, people let you know if they hate you.

"But if you're watching tonight, I hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think...unless of course you think I'm a big horse face who shouldn't be on the telly, then in that case don't tell me what you think."

She also added that she and best pal Mrs Hinch were going out and watching her debut on a phone in the back of a car in a bid to settle her nerves, but later thanked fans for their kind comments.

However, not everyone was pleased to see Solomon as Allen's replacement on the show which searches for the best professional patissiers, judged by industry experts Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden.

Watch: Stacey Solomon launches brand new home fragrance collection

One person tweeted: "Oh no. New presenter on Bake Off The Professionals. Turned it off already."

Read more: Kate Moss to appear via video link in Johnny Depp defamation trial

Someone else complained: "Was looking forward to this to find you've ruined it with Stacey Solomon. WHY??!!"

Another viewer wrote: "Can Cherish get her red card out for Stacey Solomon please? She's annoying me already!"

Someone else added: "No no no what have you done i can't watch this with stacey to me her voice is like nails on a chalkboard."

Other viewers absolutely loved the addition of Solomon and offered their support.

One fan tweeted: "Lovin @StaceySolomon in the bake off! Brill replacement!"

Someone else added: "Whoever cast @StaceySolomon on @BritishBakeOff deserves a pay rise…she’s absolutely Brilliant!!!"

Another viewer commented: "Stacey Solomon makes any show ten times better."

Bake Off: The Professionals continues on Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.