Fans were disappointed to hear the news earlier this month that Prue Leith is leaving The Great British Bake Off.
Prue joined the baking show as a judge in 2017, when the show moved to Channel 4, and has been a part of it for nine years. She joined alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood.
The 86-year-old has now explained her reasons for leaving her position, even though she previously said it was the best job imaginable.
Dame Prue Leith recently told The Spectator she’s been considering when to retire from judging The Great British Bake Off for quite some time.
I started volunteering nine years ago, and honestly, being in my mid-seventies at the time, I figured I’d be happy if I could stick with it for just a couple of years. It felt like a good way to stay involved, but I didn’t expect to last this long!
Looking back, my mom was really struggling with her memory – she couldn’t hear well at all and often got confused, even thinking I was her dad and her cat was a pet from decades ago. But I was still feeling good, my own mind was clear, and honestly, I just didn’t see any reason to leave a job I truly enjoyed.
The restaurateur, writer, and former judge explained that he eventually decided he wanted to work less and enjoy life more. He noted that filming “Bake Off” and its related shows, including the American version and Christmas specials, always happened during the summer, preventing him from ever taking a summer vacation.
Nigella Lawson, the well-known British chef, has been confirmed as the new judge, and Prue Leith is delighted with the choice.
She also described Lawson as very kind, glamorous, and intelligent, with a playful and confident personality. She added that she was relieved Lawson wasn’t competing nine years prior.
Channel 4 has announced a new twist for the next season of The Great British Bake Off. Series 17 will include an ‘Audience Choice’ week, where viewers get to suggest the challenges for the bakers.
The Great British Bake Off returns later this year.
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Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a freelance writer specializing in pop culture and entertainment for TopMob. Before that, she was a Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab, where she oversaw their local team. She holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Nottingham.
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2026-01-29 14:34