Dame Prue Leith has confirmed she is stepping down from her position as a judge on the beloved Channel 4 programme, The Great British Bake Off. The announcement marks the end of an era for the popular baking competition, which has captivated audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.
A Fabulous Nine-Year Journey
In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, the 86-year-old culinary expert expressed her deep affection for the show, stating she has "genuinely loved" her time working on it for the past nine series. During her tenure, Dame Prue judged more than 400 challenges, bringing her considerable expertise and warm personality to the iconic Bake Off tent.
Collaborations and Contributions
Dame Prue joined the programme in 2017, coinciding with its transition from the BBC to Channel 4, and has served as a judge alongside Paul Hollywood throughout this period. She has worked with a range of presenters, including the current duo Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, as well as their predecessors Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas.
Reflecting on her decision, Dame Prue remarked, "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." She added, "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."
Industry Tributes and Future Plans
Channel 4's chief content officer, Ian Katz, paid tribute to Dame Prue, highlighting her "absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers." He noted, "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."
Love Productions, the company behind the show, also expressed their gratitude, stating, "Huge thanks to Prue who has been a brilliant judge on Bake Off and a much loved presence in the tent for nearly a decade." They praised her "genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers" as well as her ability to deliver "innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter."
What's Next for Bake Off?
The next series of The Great British Bake Off is scheduled to air on Channel 4 later this year. The broadcaster has confirmed that a new judge will be announced in due course, ensuring the show continues to evolve while maintaining its cherished format.
Dame Prue concluded her statement with well-wishes for her successor, saying, "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." Channel 4 has indicated they look forward to collaborating with her on new projects in the future.
