Nigella Lawson in talks to join Bake Off

Nigella Lawson is reportedly “in talks” to replace Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

It has been claimed the 66-year-old TV cook has been under consideration as the 85-year-old food expert’s successor “since 2024”, with sources saying Nigella is now in the “final stages of contract discussions” to join fellow judge Paul Hollywood, 59, when the Channel 4 show begins filming its new series in April.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “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.
“Prue has been wonderful, but Nigella will be a sure-fire hit.”

If the deal goes through, viewers could soon see Nigella in the show’s iconic white tent alongside Paul, as they assess the bakers’ creations and decide who will be crowned each episode’s star baker.

The insider added: “Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon.”

Nigella is no stranger to judging cooking competitions, having previously appeared on MasterChef Australia, as well as several Christmas specials.

Prue announced her departure from Bake Off on Instagram on Wednesday (21.01.26), revealing she is stepping down after nine years as a judge because the timing feels right. The show is hosted by Alison Hammond, 50, and Noel Fielding, 52.

The star — who joined the programme in 2017, replacing culinary legend Mary Berry following Bake Off’s move from the BBC to Channel 4 — said: “After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

“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. 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.”

During her time on the show, Prue became known not only for her culinary authority but also for her warm encouragement of often-nervous contestants, as well as her unintentionally cheeky remarks that frequently left the tent — and viewers at home — in fits of laughter.

Paying tribute to her contribution, Love Productions said in a statement: “From her genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers to her ability to drop innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter, Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, echoed the praise, saying: “Prue Leith has been 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. She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers.”