Prue Leith has revealed her feelings about Nigella Lawson taking over her seat on The Great British Bake Off. The 86-year-old chef and author appeared on This Morning alongside Rylan Clark and Josie Gibson, where she discussed Nigella stepping into the role she held for nine series.
Prue's praise for Nigella
Rather than expressing concerns about her replacement, Prue was full of praise for the cookery star and encouraged her to enjoy the experience. Prue admitted she "didn't have to give her any tips" because she is "so good". She then revealed Nigella had been nervous about taking on the role, but insisted she was more than qualified, adding: "She knows exactly what she's doing."
She also reflected on how Nigella had already settled in well with Paul Hollywood, having recently seen the pair together. "The audience love her, and Paul loves her," Prue said, adding that the pair were "going to get on fine".
Prue's departure explained
Prue announced earlier this year that she would be leaving Bake Off after nine series, saying she felt it was the right time to step away and wanted to work less and have more time to enjoy life. The chef had been considering her departure for some time, with the show's summer filming schedule one of the factors behind her decision.
Prue said she wanted to be able to enjoy summer holidays again after years of being tied to filming. It was her final comment that offered the clearest indication of how she feels about the woman taking over her role, as she noted she was "glad" it was Nigella who was chosen.
Nigella's reaction to the role
Nigella's new role was announced in January, with the cookery writer admitting she was initially nervous about taking on such an iconic television role. Speaking about the opportunity, Nigella said she was "thrilled" to be joining the Bake Off team. She also acknowledged the significance of following Prue and Mary Berry, saying she felt honoured to be entrusted with such a beloved show.
"I'm uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now! Of course it's daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I'm also bubbling with excitement," she said. "The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure – and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I'm just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!"
New trailer released
It comes as a new trailer dropped today (August 25), which saw Nigella appear alongside original judge Paul Hollywood, and presenters Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond. It began with Paul in a light blue shirt, matching his famously blue eyes. He held a fork, walked towards the camera and said: "Go on then."
The baker was then joined by comedian Noel Fielding, who joined the show in 2017, taking over for Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Wielding his own fork, Noel stopped Paul, telling him: "Not so fast, blue eyes." Alison Hammond then jumped in, saying it was "ladies first". She joined the show in 2023, after Matt Lucas decided to leave. Matt had previously replaced Sandi Toksvig, who had joined the show alongside Noel when Mel and Sue left.
Finally, Nigella is seen. She cleared her throat and made her way past the other three to approach the camera with her own fork. A graphic then appeared on the screen, saying "the bake is back". This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
