Prue Leith is stepping away from The Great British Bake Off. The celebrity chef announced her decision via an Instagram post on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
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"After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off," Prue wrote in the caption. "...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. 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."
The 86-year-old chef joined the Channel 4 show in season eight. Her decision to remove herself means she won't be present for Season 17.
"Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it and I'm sure I'll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4."
Despite its long-running tenure on both British and international television, The Great British Bake Off is still an incredibly strong performer. It's a well-loved cooking show that continues to draw millions of viewers on a global scale.
Nigella Lawson To Replace Prue Leith
Producers have wasted no time in finding a replacement for Prue. According to The Mirror, popular celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has agreed to become her replacement.
"Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon," a source close to the show told The Sun. "Nigella's recognised worldwide. She's got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that are synonymous with Bake Off."
Lawson is no stranger to television. Her last on-screen show was back in 2020, where she hosted Nigella's Cook Eat, Repeat, which aired on BBC Two in the UK.
Lawson is a huge addition to Bake Off, and will undoubtedly ensure the show continues to be a draw in the years to come. Nevertheless, Prue's absence will be felt, and it may take some time for fans to get used to the new judge.
