The iconic culinary figure Prue Leith is stepping away from The Great British Bake Off as a judge. After being part of the reality series for nine years, the restaurateur broke the news with a heartfelt message on social media.
Prue Leith announces her departure from The Great British Bake off
On January 21, Dame Prue Leith announced that she is retiring from her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. The British television baking competition star shared the news on Instagram, posting photos with her fellow judges alongside a message. She wrote, “After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.”
The veteran judge went on to explain that the show has been a fabulous part of her life for nearly a decade. She then thanked the production team and her fellow judges, Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding, and Alison Hammond.
Leith highlighted that she’s 86 years old and that it felt like “the right time to step back,” hoping to “spend summers enjoying my garden.” She concluded, “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 announcement came as a surprise to her followers, who hoped that she’d stay for more seasons. Nonetheless, they wish her well. After the announcement, Fielding and Hollywood posted their tributes on their respective accounts.
Leith joined the show in 2017 alongside Hollywood, succeeding Dame Mary Berry. Leith has also served as a judge on other reality shows, such as The Great American Baking Show and The Great British Menu. In 2024, she started hosting her own show, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, where she shares her recipes and cooking tips with celebrity guests.
Channel 4 and the show’s producers, Love Productions, have yet to officially announce a replacement for Leith.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.
