Prue Leith has quit Bake Off
Prue Leith has left The Great British Bake Off.
The 85-year-old joined the Channel 4 show in 2017, replacing Mary Berry, and has since become a firm favourite in the famous tent. She currently judges alongside Paul Hollywood, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding hosting.
Prue confirmed her decision in an emotional statement, saying:
“I have genuinely loved it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel”
She added that she’s now ready to slow things down and enjoy some well-earned time off — particularly summers spent in her garden.
Prue said:
“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.”
Production company Love Productions paid tribute to Prue’s impact on the show, saying:
“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.”
Channel 4’s Ian Katz also praised her contribution, 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. We will miss her wry, gentle judgement but look forward to working with her on new projects.”
The next series of The Great British Bake Off is set to air on Channel 4 later this year.
Prue’s departure from the main show follows her decision to step down from the celebrity version in 2024 due to the demanding filming schedule. At the time, her role was covered by Paul Hollywood’s close friend Lady Caroline Waldegrave.
A source previously said:
“Prue absolutely loves working on Bake Off but filming two series a year can be punishing on top of her other commitments.
“She has already filmed the normal series, which will air this year but she will not appear on the celebrity version.
“Prue has made it clear she adores the show and would like to come back in 2025. She will turn 85 next year, so it’s not surprising that she wants to take time off.”
The role also helped Prue find a new audience in the US, something she has openly credited to Paul Hollywood.
She said:
“Paul helped me get the job. I know that they auditioned a lot of younger people to be his partner.”
Meanwhile, Bake Off has announced another major change for the upcoming series, introducing an ‘Audience Choice’ Week that allows viewers to influence challenges in the tent.
Paul said:
“For the first time ever, we are going to be sharing the reins for this audience choice week.
“We want to give our brilliant viewers the chance to help shape the show, and see their ideas come to life in the tent.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what great ideas come through.”