Prue Leith's 'Perfect' Verdict on Nigella Lawson as Bake Off Successor
Dame Prue Leith has delivered a succinct, one-word verdict on the announcement that Nigella Lawson will replace her as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. The culinary icon, who confirmed her departure from the beloved baking show last week after nine years, described Lawson as the "perfect" choice to join Paul Hollywood in the judging tent.
A Fond Farewell After Nine Sweet Years
Prue Leith, 85, revealed her decision to step down from the Channel 4 programme, which she joined in 2017 following Dame Mary Berry's departure. Reflecting on her tenure, Leith expressed that leaving will allow her to "work less and play more", particularly emphasising her desire to spend quality time with her husband, John Playfair. She originally anticipated managing just two years on the show but found the experience so enjoyable that she continued for nearly a decade.
Her departure was prompted by a trip to Madagascar, which solidified her wish to prioritise holidays and personal time. "There seemed no good reason to quit the show," she admitted, but the realisation that she wanted to savour life's moments with her partner ultimately guided her choice.
Nigella Lawson: The 'Perfect' Replacement
In an article for The Times, Prue Leith warmly endorsed Nigella Lawson, 66, as her successor. She praised Lawson's baking expertise and charismatic qualities, stating: "Nigella Lawson is to replace me. Perfect. She’s a great baker and knows her onions, cookies, crumbles and croissants." Leith further highlighted Lawson's appeal, noting she is "really nice, mighty glam and seriously bright, sexy and sassy", adding humorously that she's "just glad she wasn’t in the running nine years ago."
Nigella Lawson, upon hearing the news of her appointment, expressed being "lost for words", indicating her excitement and honour in joining the iconic baking competition.
Reflections on a Dream Job and Future Plans
Prue Leith reminisced about her time on Bake Off, describing it as a dream role. "There cannot be a better job than Bake Off," she declared, emphasising the joy of being "paid to eat cake" for a reputable company that offers fair compensation. She noted the job was "hardly taxing", with no rehearsals or meetings, allowing her and Paul Hollywood to simply "walk on, eat cake and say what we thought."
This flexibility enabled Leith to pursue other passions, including writing her memoirs, novels, and cookbooks. Despite her departure, she confessed she will "miss" Paul Hollywood and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Prioritising Family and Personal Time
In a candid revelation, Prue Leith acknowledged her age and desire to focus on personal relationships. During an appearance on Holly Rubenstein's The Travel Diaries podcast last year, she admitted: "I haven't got much longer, I'm 85, I want to spend as much time as I can with him." This sentiment has led to practical changes, with her husband now accompanying her on work trips, as her agent humorously frames it as needing someone to "carry the bags" rather than explicitly requiring a carer.
Leith married John Playfair in 2016, fourteen years after the death of her first husband, Rayne Kruger, who passed away in 2002. She shares two children, Danny Kruger and Li-Da Kruger (adopted from Cambodia), with her late husband.
A Storied Culinary Career
Prue Leith's journey in the culinary world began in the 1960s when she moved to London to attend the Cordon Bleu Cookery School. She later established her own catering company and founded Leith's School of Food and Wine, cementing her reputation as a food industry pioneer. Her television career includes roles on The Great British Menu and hosting Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen on ITV One, showcasing her enduring influence in British food culture.
As she steps back from Bake Off, Prue Leith leaves behind a legacy of warmth, expertise, and memorable moments, passing the baton to Nigella Lawson with full confidence and a single, fitting word: perfect.
