She’s baking viewers’ hearts.
Prue Leith has announced her exit from “Great British Bake Off” after nine seasons.
“After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off,” Leith wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
The chef, who is also a Dame, added, “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.”
Leith, 86, joined the show as a judge in Season 8, working with fellow judge Paul Hollywood, 59, and host Noel Fielding. Comedian Alison Hammond joined as a host in 2023. At the time, Leith replaced judge Mary Berry. Her exit follows Season 16.
She added that it feels like “the right time” for her to step away, noting, “I’m 86 for goodness sake!”
The chef and novelist said that she feels “lucky” to have been a part of the show and said that whoever replaces her, “I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have.”
Hollywood commented on her post with a heart and a crying emoji.
The show’s official Instagram account shared a post that read, “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.”
Hollywood commented on the show’s post, writing, “It’s been incredible working with you Prue, you are magnificent and we have had such a laugh, I will see you soon …. I’ll cook.”
Regarding her plans for the future, she said, “There’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden.”
