Dame Prue Leith Announces Departure from Great British Bake Off After Nine Years
Dame Prue Leith has revealed her decision to step down as a judge on the popular Channel 4 programme Great British Bake Off, marking the end of nearly a decade in the iconic baking tent. The 86-year-old culinary expert stated that "it feels like the right time to step back" from the show, which she joined in 2017 following its transition from the BBC to Channel 4.
A Fond Farewell to the Tent
In an official statement released on Wednesday 21 January 2026, Leith expressed her deep affection for the programme and its team. "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it," she said, adding that she would miss working alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the production teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.
Leith emphasised her desire to pursue other interests, particularly highlighting her wish to "spend summers enjoying my garden." She extended warm wishes to her eventual replacement, stating: "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."
Channel 4's Response and Legacy
Channel 4 has confirmed that a new judge will be announced in due course. The broadcaster's chief content officer, Ian Katz, paid tribute to Leith's significant contribution to the show, describing her as "a joyous presence in the tent" who combined "absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers."
Katz 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 judgment but look forward to working with her on new projects."
Overcoming Early Challenges
Leith faced considerable pressure when she joined the programme, taking over from Dame Mary Berry as Paul Hollywood's judging partner during the show's move to Channel 4. Despite initial scrutiny, she quickly established herself as a beloved figure, winning over audiences with her kind-hearted critiques and distinctive fashion sense.
Her tenure wasn't without its memorable moments, including an early mishap in her first year when she accidentally revealed the winner hours before the finale aired. More recently, in 2024, Leith disclosed that she had previously attempted to leave the show due to filming demands affecting her family time and summer holidays, but agreed to stay after production schedule adjustments were made.
Tributes from Former Contestants
Several former Bake Off contestants have expressed their sadness at Leith's departure. 2025 winner Jasmine Mitchell wrote on the show's official Instagram account: "We will really miss you so much. You are just wonderful and incredible."
Dr Rahul Mandal, the 2018 champion, added: "We adored you, you are kind, passionate and above all inspiring. You challenged yourself in every step of your life, which inspired us. I always [tell] my daughter to be as bold and brave like you."
A Lasting Impact
During her nine-year tenure, Leith judged multiple regular seasons, Christmas specials, and celebrity editions of the programme. She worked with various presenting duos including Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas before the current pairing of Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Her departure marks the end of an era for the baking competition, which continues to be one of Channel 4's most successful and cherished programmes.
