Image: Channel 4 Press
By Jon Donnis
After nine series and more than 400 judged challenges, Dame Prue Leith DBE has confirmed she is stepping down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, bringing to a close nearly a decade as one of the show's defining figures.
Reflecting on her decision, Prue described Bake Off as a joyful and meaningful chapter in her life. She spoke warmly about her time alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4. At 86, she explained that the moment feels right to step back, with plenty still she wants to do, including spending summers properly enjoying her garden. She added that whoever takes her place will love the experience just as much as she has, and said she feels very lucky to have been part of the programme.
Love Productions paid tribute to Prue as a brilliant judge and a deeply loved presence in the tent. They highlighted her genuine expertise, her encouragement of the bakers, and her knack for delivering innocent innuendos that regularly left both the tent and viewers at home in fits of laughter. They said she will always hold a special place in the heart of Bake Off.
Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz echoed that sentiment, praising Prue for combining culinary authority with warmth, generosity and empathy. He thanked her for her passion, wit, distinctive style and the many summers she spent in the tent, noting the lasting mark she leaves on the show and its bakers. While she will be missed as a judge, he said Channel 4 looks forward to working with her on future projects.
The next series of The Great British Bake Off will air on Channel 4 later this year, with a new judge set to be announced in due course.
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