Prue Leith Bids Farewell To Great British Bake Off

Dame Prue Leith, the celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality, has announced her departure from The Great British Bake Off after nearly a decade as one of its most beloved judges. Her decision, revealed on January 21, 2026, marks the end of an era for the iconic baking competition, which has become a staple of British television since its inception.

Leith, who turned 86 this year, stepped into the role in 2017, taking over from the equally legendary Mary Berry when the show moved from the BBC to Channel 4. Since then, she has judged over 400 challenges, sharing the tent with fellow judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. Her wit, warmth, and unmistakable style quickly won over viewers and contestants alike, making her an integral part of the Bake Off family.

In her heartfelt statement posted to social media, Leith wrote, “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 judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4. But now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!), there’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden. Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”

Leith’s announcement was met with an outpouring of affection from fans, colleagues, and former contestants. Dr Rahul Mandal, winner of the 2018 series, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We will miss you so much. It was a joy and privilege to be in the tent with you. You are kind, funny, passionate and always inspired us. I want Deveshi to be like you, bold, brave and beautiful.” Jasmine Mitchell, who took home the title in 2025, wrote, “Prue, you’re amazing and we will miss you so very much.” Peter Sawkins, the 2020 champion, echoed these sentiments: “Congratulations on so many great series, Prue! It was a complete privilege to be on the show with you as judge. Thank you.”

Channel 4 and the show’s producers, Love Productions, were equally effusive in their tributes. Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, praised Leith’s “absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers,” adding, “She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers. We will miss her wry, gentle judgement but look forward to working with her on new projects.” Love Productions highlighted her “genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers” as well as her “ability to drop innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter.”

Leith’s tenure was not without its memorable moments. She became known for her love of boozy cakes, colorful fashion choices, and a knack for cheeky innuendo. Perhaps most famously, she accidentally revealed the winner of the 2017 series on Twitter before the final episode aired, a gaffe she later described as “the most idiotic thing in the world.” Far from diminishing her reputation, the incident only endeared her further to fans, with the then-prime minister of Bhutan even thanking her for putting his country on the map, as she was on holiday there at the time.

Her decision to step back from Bake Off is not entirely unexpected. Leith had previously taken a break from the celebrity edition of the show in 2024, with Lady Caroline Waldegrave OBE stepping in as her replacement for the 2025 spin-off. In interviews, Leith has spoken candidly about the challenges of filming back-to-back episodes throughout the summer and her desire to enjoy new experiences while she still can. In her book Being Old... And Learning To Love It, she reflected on societal attitudes toward aging, challenging the notion that older people should fade quietly into the background. “They seem to think we should all wear beige, sit in a corner and knit. I think they were brainwashed. They got the wrong idea of their worth, concurring with the idea that oldies should be neither seen nor heard,” she wrote. “Needless to say, I don’t match up. I’m lucky in that I positively relish a bit of stress: I like having lots of balls in the air and a full diary, and I enjoy sorting muddles and fixing things. But I seldom feel stressed.”

Beyond her television career, Leith has been a formidable presence in British culinary and public life. She was awarded a damehood in 2021 by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to food, broadcasting, and charity. Leith is also known for her advocacy on social issues, notably campaigning for the legalization of assisted dying in the UK after witnessing her brother’s suffering from bone cancer. She has spoken publicly about her support for Dignity in Dying, telling Sky in 2024 about the “absolute agony” her brother experienced and her determination to push for change.

Leith’s influence on The Great British Bake Off extended well beyond her judging duties. She brought a sense of joy, inclusivity, and gentle humor to the tent, helping to shape the show’s unique blend of competition and camaraderie. Her partnership with Paul Hollywood provided a balance of kindness and constructive criticism, while her interactions with hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond added levity and warmth. As Channel 4 put it, “Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”

As for what’s next, the show will go on—Paul Hollywood remains as judge, and Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will continue to host. Channel 4 has yet to announce who will fill Leith’s seat, though speculation is rife, especially after Waldegrave’s stint on the celebrity edition. Fans can expect a new judge to be revealed before the next series airs later in 2026.

Leith’s departure is, in many ways, a celebration of a remarkable chapter in British television. Her legacy will endure, not just in the laughter and encouragement she brought to the tent, but in the inspiration she provided to bakers and viewers across generations. As she steps away to enjoy her garden and pursue new adventures, one thing is certain: the Bake Off tent will never quite be the same.