Dame Prue Leith has explained she chose to step down from The Great British Bake Off because she wanted to reduce her workload and enjoy more free time.
The 85-year-old TV chef, who joined the popular baking show in 2017 after Dame Mary Berry, announced on Instagram last week that she’s leaving after nine years.
Nigella Lawson is officially joining Paul Hollywood as a judge on the show. Filming for the new series starts in April, and it will air later this year.
Prue Leith has revealed the reason she’s leaving the Channel 4 show, explaining she’d been considering it for some time. She ultimately decided to leave because she wants to be free to work more during the winter and enjoy her summers.
In an interview with The Spectator, she revealed she’s been unsure for years about how long to continue as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.
I joined nine years ago expecting to only last a couple of years, given my age in my mid-seventies.
When my mother reached that age, she experienced significant cognitive decline. She mistakenly believed her son was her father and insisted her cat was a pet she’d owned decades earlier, showing a complete disconnect from reality.
I remained relatively stable, and I had no reason to quit a job I enjoyed.
Eventually, I realized I wanted a better work-life balance. Because ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and its related shows, like ‘The Great American Baking Show’ and the Christmas specials, are all filmed during the summer, I’ve never been able to take a summer vacation.
Oh my gosh, Prue actually told me what finally made her decide to leave! Apparently, it was this trip she took to Madagascar. She said being there just… clicked something in her, and she realized it was time for a fresh start. I mean, Madagascar! How amazing is that? It just proves she’s always been this incredible, adventurous person, and I’m so excited for her new chapter!
It hit me like a ton of bricks – if I kept obsessing over Bake Off, really kept at it, I’d have to say goodbye to all my travel dreams! No more sun-drenched holidays in the south of France, or romantic trips to Italy and Spain… even a simple getaway to Cornwall or Scotland would be off the table. It was a total realization moment – Bake Off or my adventures, I couldn’t have both!
She explained she wanted to get her life back on track, and added, ‘I’ve become good friends with some wonderful people. It’s been a pleasure working with them.’
It bothers me when companies try to force a ‘family’ atmosphere among their employees. However, that particular place does seem to genuinely foster a fun, friendly, and supportive environment.
‘But in the end, I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed.
Over the last two years, the people in charge at Love Productions, the company that creates the show, have consistently told me I was doing well and that my position was secure for as long as I wanted it.
I think I’d be happy staying, but I really need to make some changes to how I live. What I’d love is to work during the colder months and then have the summers free to enjoy myself.
Prue shared that she’ll really miss being on the show, especially her fellow judge Paul, and the hosts – Alison Hammond, who she described as wonderfully energetic and kind, and Noel Fielding, a brilliantly creative and quirky personality.
She explained that her job required no preparation – no memorizing lines, rehearsals, or meetings. She simply showed up on set and enjoyed cake throughout the day, leading her to believe it was ‘the best job in the world.’
She spoke highly of Nigella Lawson, describing her as a talented and lovely baker, as well as glamorous and intelligent. She also expressed relief that Nigella wasn’t competing for the role nine years prior.
Nigella has previously said she felt intimidated taking over after Prue and Mary, who were both highly respected figures.
In a statement, she admitted she was surprisingly speechless. While acknowledging it’s intimidating to follow such baking legends as Prue Leith and Mary Berry, she’s also incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Oh my goodness, Bake Off isn’t just a show to me, it’s practically a national institution! Honestly, I’m absolutely thrilled they’ve let me be a part of it – it feels like a huge privilege and I’m so excited to see what happens!
I’m so excited to join the team and meet all the new bakers! I wish Prue all the best, and I’m incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity.
I’m so excited to be part of the team and meet all the future bakers! I’m sending Prue my best wishes, and I’m incredibly thankful for this wonderful opportunity.
After it was revealed that Nigella would be joining the show, Prue shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, ‘I really wanted it to be Nigella! What a great pick.’
Noel, the host, enthusiastically welcomed everyone to the ‘Mischief Palace,’ promising a fun time. Alison chimed in, warmly welcoming the newest member to the group, calling her ‘Queen’.
Nigella expressed her gratitude to her fans, excitedly sharing that she’s looking forward to joining the ‘Tent of Dreams!’
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2026-01-29 07:53