The Great British Bake Off returned with much anticipation on March 16, 2025, as it kicked off its annual celebrity special series to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer. The show featured celebrity duos competing for the coveted Star Baker title, but fans were left puzzled as they tuned in to find one beloved figure missing from the judging panel. Dame Prue Leith, who has been part of the Bake Off family since 2017, was not present, prompting numerous social media inquiries about her absence.
Instead, Channel 4 introduced Caroline Waldegrave, who took over judging duties alongside Paul Hollywood for this season's celebrity competition. Waldegrave, 72, is known for her longstanding friendship with Leith and her impressive culinary credentials, having served as the managing director of Leiths School of Food and Wine, co-authoring several respected cookbooks, and being recognized with the OBE for her contributions to the culinary industry.
During the first episode, viewers watched as comedians Chris and Rosie Ramsey paired up against siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas. The Ramsey couple went home triumphant, with Chris impressing the judges with his banana scones and vibrant birthday cake showstopper. Waldegrave made her debut and was met with varied reactions from fans who missed Leith's presence. Comments flooded social media platforms such as X, with users expressing their confusion and concerns. "Where’s Prue?" one user wrote, echoing the sentiments of many. Others expressed hope for her return when the show leads back to its regular series later this year.
On social media, the absence of Leith was notable. One viewer tweeted, "I'm not liking this already, where is our Prue!" Others questioned the decision to replace such a staple of the show with Caroline, commenting on the show's dynamic. Responses varied, with some fans showing fierce support for Leith. One follower expressed their support for her choice to step back: "Absolutely understandable and a great decision, imo. She is 84 and it is a gruelling schedule." Indeed, Leith announced during her last appearance on This Morning last year, she would take break from the celebrity specials due to the relentless filming schedule, which begins each April and runs through the summer, leaving her little time for personal pursuits.
Waldegrave, stepping up to the plate, remarked on her entry to the show, saying she felt "completely terrified" but was met with kindness and warmth from the cast and crew, which helped her settle just before the filming began. "Everyone from the runners to Paul was just so kind and so friendly," she noted, which was echoed by Paul Hollywood who acknowledged her transition to the role: "Initially there were nerves... But Caroline's knowledge is unsurpassable." The familiar Bake Off spirit remains intact, even with the changes.
Fans of The Great British Bake Off were able to enjoy the dynamic between the new judges and the celebrity contestants, who also faced delightful challenges. The series aims to raise money for cancer research, with participants each aiming to showcase their best dishes during the competition: the signature, the technical, and the showstopper. Celebrity contestants will bake their way through these challenges each episode until the last episode airs on April 13, 2025, promising occasional surprises and fan-favorite moments.
The future looks promising for Leith as she confirmed through her representatives she will return to judge the standard UK and US versions of the show later this year, assuring fans her absence is just temporary. She expressed enthusiasm for rookie bakers as she prepares to meet fresh culinary talents. "I absolutely love working on Bake Off. I'm really looking forward to filming the next series," she stated, reaffirming her affection for the show and its spirit.
For the time being, the audiences are left to discover the antics and inventive bakings of this year’s celebrity contenders. With returning hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, viewers can expect their signature humor and warmth throughout this unique series. The first episode, rated among Channel 4's most highly anticipated due to its light-hearted and charitable focus, successfully brought together engaging personalities determined to whip up culinary masterpieces for the noble health cause.
Tonight's live show marked the first of several themed celebrity encounters. Future episodes include appearances by notable names such as Roman Kemp and Kate Garraway. Fans are encouraged to tune in every Sunday at 7:40 PM to witness the delightful chaos of the baking tent.