Caroline Waldegrave has been confirmed as the new judge for the upcoming series of the Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, stepping in for well-loved culinary expert Prue Leith. This announcement arrives just as excitement builds for the show's return to Channel 4 this Spring.
The celebrity edition of the Great British Bake Off has gained immense popularity over the years, blending the excitement of competitive baking with the charm of famous faces. This year, Waldegrave will join returning judge Paul Hollywood, as well as the well-known hosting duo of Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, ensuring fans remain entertained as their favorite baking show returns to the screen.
Prue Leith, aged 84, decided to step back from the celebrity specials, citing the challenging filming schedule as her reason. "Honestly, you get no time off. And I'm getting a bit old and there's places I want to go," she shared on This Morning. While fans can rest easy, as Leith confirmed she will remain on the main series of the show later this year, her absence from this special is felt deeply.
Caroline Waldegrave, who is managing director and co-owner of Leiths School of Food and Wine, has been friends with Leith since the 1970s when she first applied for a job at Leith's catering company. Waldegrave's appointment brings both personal and professional continuity to the judging panel, and she looked thrilled to fill the role upon the announcement. "Caroline looked delighted to be filling in for her pal as she beamed alongside Alison, Noel, and fellow judge Paul," reported The Daily Mail.
This year's celebrity contestants are set to compete for the coveted title of Star Baker, with all coming together for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which aims to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. The impressive 2025 line-up features 20 well-known personalities, including broadcaster Sarah Beeny, who has personal ties to the cause after her breast cancer diagnosis last year. Also joining the tent will be Loose Women’s Gloria Hunniford, who has been vocal about her experiences with breast cancer, as well as TV favorite Kate Garraway and popular comedian Maxine Peake.
Each episode of the Great Celebrity Bake Off will see four celebrities facing off across three challenges—the Signature, Technical, and Showstopper rounds. With the renowned Paul Hollywood overseeing the bake-offs, contestants will have to impress him and Waldegrave to earn the title of Star Baker for their episode.
The show has always been about more than just culinary skills, with many participants sharing their personal stories tied to the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, thereby drawing attention to important causes and highlighting individual experiences with cancer. Many contestants are not just competing but are also raising awareness for significant causes close to their hearts.
Prue Leith spoke about her decision on the aforementioned show, reiterATING, "It's absolutely not true at all! What I'm not doing this year is the celebrity one." Her passion for the show remains unwavering, and fans can look forward to her guiding the next group of amateur bakers later this year.
This season promises a mix of laughter, challenges, and heartfelt stories as fans gear up to engage with their favorite celebrities, creating memories through baking. The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer is more than just competition; it is about camaraderie, resilience, and the fight against cancer.
With a cast this exciting and a new judge stepping up to the plate, viewers won't want to miss what’s set to be another season filled with memorable moments, flour-covered mishaps, and perhaps some unexpected victories. Tune in this Spring on Channel 4 to catch all the action, as the tents fill with celebrity bakers ready to showcase their skills, all for the noble cause of fighting cancer. This show will bring together entertainment and philanthropy, reinforcing the significance of community efforts against such hard-hitting issues.