Nigella Lawson’s ‘mee-cro-wah-vay’ is up for a Bafta – here’s a reminder of the best reactions

Nigella Lawson has always had a knack for causing a stir, but the Domestic Goddess outdid herself last year with her pronunciation of a common household appliance.

The celebrity chef was preparing some mashed potatoes for her BBC2 series Cook, Eat, Repeat, when she revealed her own playful variation on the word “microwave.”

Splashing some milk (full fat, of course) into the pan, she told viewers that she had warned it in the “mee-cro-wah-vay”.

The exotic-sounding utterance swiftly became a “defining moment of 2020,” according to Twitter users.

And now it could be officially recognised by Bafta as the TV moment of the year.

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Here’s a reminder of how that brief clip sent social media into meltdown:

Even retailers got in on the act:

Following much speculation, Nigella was forced to confirm that she does know the word’s correct pronunciation.

“Well, I do say (microwave) like that, but not because I think that’s how it’s actually pronounced,” she replied to one curious Twitter user.

A spokesperson for the presenter later put the matter to bed. They said in a statement: "In a nutshell, it’s how Nigella refers to the microwave at home," they said.

"It’s a bit of a family joke."

Despite all the “mee-cro-wah-vay” hype, there’s no guarantee that Nigella will be crowned winner at this year’s British Academy Film and Television Awards.

She is among six nominees for the Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award, which is voted for by the public.

Diversity’s headline-grabbing performance on Britain’s Got Talent is among the favourites for the gong, while scenes from Bridgerton, EastEnders and The Mandalorian are also in the running.

The final shortlist was selected by an independent jury of national media figures including writer and author Caitlin Moran.

Hannah Wyatt, chairwoman of Bafta’s television committee, said: “Television in 2020 showcased the importance of entertainment and demonstrated incredible craft, gripping scriptwriting and brilliant visual spectacles which captivated the British viewer.

“From bringing nostalgic favourites back, to raising awareness about hugely important issues, the shows and moments nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award 2021 reflect our TV habits of the last year and perfectly celebrate the relationship between the TV viewers at home and the people who make it.

“I can’t wait to see who the public choose to be their Virgin Media Must-See Moment winner, in what is sure to be a close contest.”

We’ll be sure to warm up the popcorn in the mee-cro-wah-vay and get watching.