Dame Prue Leith is set to depart from The Great British Bake Off after nearly ten years as a judge, marking the end of an era for the beloved baking competition.
The esteemed 86-year-old culinary expert joined the series in 2017, succeeding Dame Mary Berry and forming a judging partnership with Paul Hollywood.
In a statement shared via Instagram, Dame Prue conveyed that “now feels like the right time to step back,” citing a desire to pursue other endeavors.
Channel 4, the broadcast home of the series, has yet to announce her successor.
This announcement follows Dame Prue’s departure from the celebrity edition of Bake Off in 2024, where she was replaced by Caroline, Lady Waldegrave.
The current presenting team for Bake Off comprises Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Dame Prue also worked alongside former hosts Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas.
Hollywood paid tribute to his colleague on Instagram, writing: “You’re the best Prue!”
Dame Prue reflected on her time, stating: “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.”
“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.”
She further added: “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.”
Dame Prue’s appointment to Bake Off occurred after its transition from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2016.
She took over from Dame Mary, who, along with presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, departed following the network change.
Channel 4’s chief content officer, Ian Katz, lauded Dame Prue as “a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers.”
“We are grateful for her passion, her wit, her ineffable style, and all the summers she spent in the tent.”
He continued, “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.”
Former contestants also took to Instagram to express their appreciation for Leith.
Jasmine Mitchell, the 2025 Bake Off winner, commented: “Prue, you’re amazing and we will miss you so very much.”
Dr Rahul Mandal, who won in 2018, added: “We will miss you so much. It was a joy and privilege to be in the tent with you. You are kind, funny passionate and always inspired us.”
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