‘Great British Baking Show’ judge Prue Leith departs competition after nine years

by

Prue Leith, who has been a judge on the popular show “The Great British Baking Show” for many years, is stepping down.

The popular baking expert, famous for her love of adding alcohol to her desserts and her bright, colorful style, announced on Wednesday that she’s leaving the show. In a post on Instagram, she said ‘The Great British Baking Show’ had been a wonderful experience for the past nine years, and she praised her fellow judge, Paul Hollywood, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

She explained that now felt like the perfect time to retire – at 86, she had many things she wanted to do, including simply enjoying her garden during the summer months.

Prue Leith became a judge on “The Great British Baking Show” (known as “The Great British Bake-Off” in the UK) in 2017, taking over from Mary Berry. Berry had been judging the show since it began in 2010, but she left when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, a television channel that relies on advertising.

Television

In the latest Screen Gab, we discuss how ‘The Great British Baking Show’ regained its spark, share an interview with the executive producer of ‘Yellowstone,’ and cover other entertainment news.

Since becoming a judge on the show, Prue Leith has tasted countless bakers’ creations, evaluated their technical skills, and been impressed by many stunning final bakes. She and Paul Hollywood judged together during the eleventh series, which was filmed and broadcast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before becoming a judge on “The Great British Baking Show,” Prue Leith judged the cooking competition “Great British Menu” on BBC Two. She was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021.

Hollywood shared a photo of himself with Prue Leith from the set of “The Great British Baking Show,” praising her with the caption, “You’re the best Prue.” They were both wearing elaborate, rococo-style costumes.

People from the “Baking Show” family shared their appreciation for Leith in the comments on her post. Rahul Mandal, the winner from 2018, described her as “kind, funny, passionate, and always inspiring.” Contestants from the 2025 season—Aaron Mountford-Myles, Jessika Trassel, and winner Jasmine Mitchell—also praised her time on the show.

Television

The popular show ‘The Great British Baking Show’ has returned for its eleventh season on Netflix, providing a welcome and cheerful distraction from the challenges of 2020.

Fielding, my co-host, shared some photos of us together and wrote the sweetest caption! They said I’m like a force of nature and an inspiration, which honestly means so much. They also mentioned my colorful energy and, of course, my smile – it just makes me happy to hear that!

“We will miss you so much Prue,” Hammond said in an Instagram story.

A new season of “The Great British Baking Show” is coming later this year. Channel 4 has also announced they will reveal who will replace Prue Leith soon, as reported by the Guardian.

Leith expressed her confidence that anyone joining the team would enjoy it as much as she did, adding that she feels fortunate to have been a part of it.

Read More

2026-01-21 21:31