It’s the end of an era for The Great British Baking Show as Dame Prue Leith is saying goodbye to the tent.
The 86-year-old chef, who joined as a judge in season 8, announced that she is exiting the baking competition show following last year’s season 16.
Cheerio:
“After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.”
“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 judges Paul, Alison, Noel, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”
Dame Prue Leith added that it feels like “the right time” for her to step away. “I’m 86 for goodness sake!” Adding that she feels “lucky” to have been a part of the show, Dame Prue Leith noted, “Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have.”
Parting is such sweet sorrow:
Dame Prue Leith replaced judge Mary Berry on the show in 2017, working alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Noel Fielding, who started the same year, and several other co-hosts.
Comedian Alison Hammond joined Fielding on the show in 2023.
The Great British Baking Show’s Instagram account also shared a post relaying the news. “Our wonderful Prue has decided to step away from judging Bake Off.”
“From joyful judging to colourful fits to accidental innuendoes, you are simply the best and will be so missed. Please join us in wishing Prue the very best and thanking her for nine brilliant years in the Tent ❤️”
