At a Glance
- Prue Leith announced on Jan. 21 she is leaving The Great British Baking Show after nine seasons
- The 86-year-old judged more than 400 challenges since replacing Mary Berry in 2017
- Fellow judge Paul Hollywood paid tribute online, promising to cook for her soon
- Why it matters: Leith’s exit ends a beloved era for millions of fans and leaves a key judging slot open
Prue Leith is hanging up her judging hat. The 86-year-old chef, who joined The Great British Baking Show in 2017 for season 8, revealed on Wednesday, Jan. 21 that she will not return for future seasons.
Leith’s Instagram Announcement
In a candid Instagram post, Leith told her followers: “After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.”
She described the show as “a fabulous part of my life,” adding that she will miss working with Paul Hollywood, hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the production teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.
“Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it,” she wrote.
Leith explained her timing plainly: “I’m 86 for goodness sake!”
Future Plans and Garden Dreams
Leith outlined what comes next. “There’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the experience, noting she feels “lucky” to have been part of the series and predicted that whoever replaces her “will love it as much as I have.”
The Show’s Reaction
The Great British Baking Show’s official Instagram account posted a tribute within hours:
> “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 Responds
Fellow judge Paul Hollywood responded quickly on social media. On the show’s post he wrote:
“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 ❤️”
He also left a heart and crying-face emoji on Leith’s personal post and shared a separate tribute that read, “You’re the best Prue! ❤️”
Production Company Thanks Leith
Love Productions issued a statement praising Leith:
> “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. From her genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers to her ability to drop innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter, Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”
Leith’s Bake Off Journey
Key milestones during Leith’s tenure:
- 2017: Replaced Mary Berry alongside Paul Hollywood
- 2023: welcomed new co-host Alison Hammond alongside Noel Fielding
- 2024: completed ninth season and 400-plus technical challenges
- 2025: announced departure at age 86
What Happens Next
Channel 4 and Love Productions have not named a replacement. Representatives for The Great British Baking Show did not immediately respond to a request for comment from News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- Prue Leith exits after nearly a decade, leaving a legacy of expertise and humor
- Paul Hollywood’s emotional reaction signals deep off-screen friendship
- Production company credits her for both baking knowledge and comedic timing
- The search for a new judge begins as fans anticipate season 17
Sophia A. Reynolds originally reported this story for News Of Los Angeles.
