Prue Leith has broken her silence on Nigella Lawson replacing her on The Great British Bake Off, giving a three-word verdict: "glad it's her".
The 86-year-old chef and author stepped away from the famous tent earlier this year after nine series, deciding to quit because she wanted to work less and have more time to enjoy life.
Nigella Lawson is set to take over judging duties alongside Paul Hollywood, and Prue shared her response during an appearance on Tuesday's (August 25) This Morning with hosts Rylan Clark and Josie Gibson.
'She is so good'
Far from being concerned about her replacement, Prue said she was pleased Nigella had been chosen for the role. Speaking about Nigella, Prue said: "Well, I didn't have to give her any tips but I did tell her to just enjoy it because she is so good."
Prue admitted Nigella had been nervous about taking on the role but insisted she was more than qualified. "She was quite nervous but she's totally well qualified, and she knows exactly what she's doing," Prue said.
She also revealed that Nigella had already won over both viewers and her new judging partner Paul Hollywood. "The audience love her, and Paul loves her," Prue said.
New era for the show
Prue went on to reveal that she had recently seen Nigella and Paul together and said the pair appeared to be getting along well. "In fact, I saw her and Paul this week and they're getting on fine," she said. And when asked about Nigella taking over from her, Prue had a simple response: "She's so nice. I was glad it's her."
Meanwhile, Bake Off fans won't have too long to wait to see Nigella step into the famous tent. The Great British Bake Off will return to Channel 4 next month, with Nigella making her debut alongside Paul. Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are also set to return as hosts.
The new series will mark the beginning of a new era for the show following Prue's departure after nine years on the judging panel. Nigella's appointment was confirmed by Channel 4 in January, with the broadcaster describing her as the show's new judge.
Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at Channel 4, said: "We're incredibly excited about the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella. With Nigella joining the tent, Love Productions have created the dream team of British telly. Nigella brings an incomparable combination of warmth, expertise and sophistication to the tent, and this summer's series will be as mouthwatering a prospect as her chocolate Guinness cake."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
