“The Great British Bake Off” judge Prue Leith has revealed that she is leaving the beloved Channel 4 competition series.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Leith 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.’”
Leith replaced Mary Berry on the baking show in 2017, joining Paul Hollywood to judge the contestants’ confectionary creations. The current hosts of “The Great British Bake Off” are Alison Hammond, who joined in 2023, and Noel Fielding, who has been presenting the show since 2017.
“‘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,” Leith continued. “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.”
In 2024, Leith stepped down from the celebrity version of “The Great British Bake Off” and was replaced by Caroline Waldegrave. A replacement for Leith on the civilian “Bake Off” has not yet been announced.
Former “Bake Off” winners and contestants took to the comments section on Leith’s post to wish her well.
“We will miss you so much,” wrote 2018 champion Rahul Mandal. “It was a joy and privilege to be in the tent with you. You are kind, funny passionate and always inspired us.”
Added last year’s winner Jasmine Mitchell: “You’re amazing and we will miss you so very much.”
