Prue Leith Steps Down From Bake Off After Nine Years

For nearly a decade, Dame Prue Leith has been a fixture in the tent of The Great British Bake Off, guiding bakers through flour-dusted showstoppers and technical terrors with her signature warmth, candor, and that unmistakable “delicious” verdict. But as of January 21, 2026, the celebrated judge has announced she will step down from Channel 4’s most-watched show, closing a remarkable chapter in British television—and, for many fans, the end of an era in the beloved baking competition.

Leith, now 86, made her announcement via Instagram, where she wrote, “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.” According to BBC, Leith added, “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.”

Her decision, though tinged with sadness for the show’s legion of fans, hardly came as a shock. Leith had previously hinted at her desire to leave on her own terms. In a 2024 interview with E! News, she remarked, “The only thing I’m sure about is I want to go before I’m pushed. Obviously I’m not going to be able to do this forever, but while I’m enjoying it, and while they’re prepared to let me just do the two I want to do, which are Great American Baking Show and Great British Bake Off—if they want me, I’m there. I want to get out before they say, you know, ‘Prue I think perhaps after nine years, you think it’s about time.’”

Leith’s Bake Off journey began in 2017, when Channel 4 audaciously poached the show from the BBC. She stepped in to fill the formidable shoes of Dame Mary Berry, who, along with original presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, departed after the move. Leith quickly became a fan favorite, known for her frank but fair critiques, her colorful wardrobe, and the genuine affection she showed contestants—traits that endeared her to viewers and bakers alike. Over her nine seasons, Leith judged more than 400 challenges, helping to shape the show’s identity in its new home.

“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 wrote in her farewell statement. As reported by Deadline, she also reflected on her good fortune: “I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”

Leith’s tenure coincided with a period of change and, ultimately, stability for the program. She joined forces with Paul Hollywood, the show’s only remaining original judge, and worked alongside a rotating cast of presenters—first Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding, then Matt Lucas, and most recently Alison Hammond and Fielding. Her presence helped ensure the show’s continued popularity, with The Great British Bake Off remaining Channel 4’s most-watched program year after year. The show, produced by Love Productions, has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its gentle spirit and inclusive ethos.

Tributes poured in from all corners of the Bake Off universe following Leith’s announcement. Paul Hollywood, her steadfast co-judge, kept it simple but heartfelt: “You’re the best Prue!” he wrote on Instagram. Noel Fielding, never one to shy from sentiment, posted a moving message: “The world was on fire and no one could save me but Prue. I’d never dreamed that I’d meet somebody like Prue. And I’d never dreamed that I’d lose somebody like Prue. (From Bake Off). You are a force of nature and an inspiration to the world. A dazzle of colours and that wonderful smile. I will never forget the laughs we had. We will miss your energy and charisma in the tent.”

Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz also praised Leith’s contributions, describing her as “a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers.” He continued, “We are grateful for her passion, her wit, her ineffable style, and all the summers she spent in the tent. 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.”

Former contestants added their voices to the chorus of appreciation. Jasmine Mitchell, who won Bake Off in 2025, commented, “Prue, you’re amazing and we will miss you so very much.” Dr. Rahul Mandal, the 2018 champion, echoed the sentiment: “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.”

Leith’s departure from the main series follows her earlier exit from the celebrity edition in 2024, where she was succeeded by Lady Caroline Waldegrave. This pattern of stepping aside while still at the top of her game is, for Leith, a matter of principle and self-awareness—a desire to leave on a high note, rather than overstay her welcome.

Of course, Bake Off is no stranger to change. The show has weathered major transitions before, not least its controversial shift from BBC to Channel 4. Each time, it’s managed to reinvent itself without losing the heart that made it a hit in the first place. The search is now on for a new co-judge to join Paul Hollywood, a process that will be watched with keen interest by fans and industry insiders alike. Whoever is chosen will have big shoes to fill, but as Leith herself put it, “Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have.”

Leith’s influence on British food culture extends far beyond the tent. A renowned chef, restaurateur, and author, she has spent decades championing good food, education, and the art of hospitality. Her time on Bake Off cemented her status as a national treasure, and her departure marks not just the end of a TV role, but the close of a chapter in the story of a woman whose career has been defined by creativity, generosity, and a zest for life.

As Bake Off prepares for its next season—and the inevitable speculation about who will join the judging panel—fans can take comfort in the knowledge that Leith’s legacy will linger. Her wit, her wisdom, and her unwavering support for amateur bakers have left an indelible mark on the show. And for Leith herself? There are gardens to tend, summers to savor, and, no doubt, new adventures ahead. After nine years and 400 challenges, she’s earned every moment.