Dame Prue Leith has made the significant announcement that she will be stepping down from her role as a judge on Channel 4's beloved baking competition, The Great British Bake Off. This decision marks the end of her nine-year tenure on the show, where she has been a familiar and authoritative presence alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood.
A Fond Farewell After Nearly a Decade
The 86-year-old culinary expert joined the programme in 2017, taking over from the legendary Mary Berry. During her time in the iconic tent, she has worked with a variety of hosts, including Sandi Toksvig, Matt Lucas, Alison Hammond, and Noel Fielding, becoming an integral part of the show's fabric and charm.
"Now Feels Like the Right Time to Step Back"
In a heartfelt statement, Dame Prue expressed her deep affection for the series while explaining her reasons for leaving. "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it," she said. "I'm sure I'll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4."
She elaborated on her decision, highlighting a desire for new experiences and personal time. "But now feels like the right time to step back (I'm 86 for goodness sake!), there's so much I'd like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden." Dame Prue also extended warm wishes to her eventual successor, stating, "Whoever joins the team, I'm sure they'll love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it."
Uncertainty Over Final Appearance and Channel 4's Response
It remains unclear whether Dame Prue will feature in the upcoming summer series of The Great British Bake Off, as it is believed filming has not yet commenced. Channel 4 has not announced who will replace her on the main show, though she was previously succeeded by Lady Caroline Waldegrave on the celebrity version in 2024.
Ian Katz, Channel 4's chief content officer, paid tribute to Dame Prue's contributions, describing her as "a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers." He added, "We are grateful for her passion, her wit, her ineffable style, and all the summers she spent in the tent. She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers. We will miss her wry, gentle judgement but look forward to working with her on new projects."
This departure signals a notable change for one of Britain's most cherished television programmes, as fans and the production team alike reflect on Dame Prue's memorable nine-year journey.
