Prue Leith Opens Up About Bake Off Departure After Nine Series
Dame Prue Leith has candidly revealed the personal reasons behind her decision to step down from her judging role on The Great British Bake Off. The announcement, made last week, confirmed her departure from the beloved Channel 4 baking competition after nine successful series, during which she presided over more than four hundred culinary challenges.
A Decision Years in the Making
In an exclusive interview with The Spectator, Dame Prue explained that she had been contemplating this move for several years. "I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off," she confessed. When she originally joined the programme in 2017, following its transition from the BBC to Channel 4, she anticipated her tenure might be brief due to her age.
"When I joined nine years ago, I thought, since I was in my mid-seventies, that I'd be lucky to manage two years," Dame Prue revealed. She reflected on her family history, noting that "at that age, my mother was deaf as a post and away with the fairies." However, she found her cognitive abilities remained strong and discovered genuine affection for the role, making it difficult to leave.
The Turning Point: Seeking Summer Freedom
The ultimate catalyst for her decision emerged from a fundamental desire for lifestyle change. "Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me," she stated. The filming schedule for Bake Off and its various spin-offs, including The Great American Baking Show and Christmas specials, occupies the entire summer period.
"This has meant I could never have a summer holiday," Dame Prue emphasised. Following a winter escape to Madagascar, she reached a definitive conclusion. "I suddenly realised that if I don't give up Bake Off, I'll never again have a holiday in the south of France, in Italy, in Spain, or even in Cornwall or Scotland." This realisation prompted her to "finally jump" and make the call to depart.
Passing the Baton to Nigella Lawson
Dame Prue will be succeeded by the acclaimed television cook and author Nigella Lawson, a choice she wholeheartedly endorses. She described Lawson as "a great baker" and "mighty glam," adding further praise by calling her "really nice, seriously bright, sexy and sassy." With characteristic humour, she remarked, "I'm just glad she wasn't in the running nine years ago."
Reflecting on her time on the show, Dame Prue expressed immense gratitude for the experience. "There cannot be a better job in the world," she declared, highlighting the unique perks of the role. "I never had to learn lines, rehearse, go to meetings. I was able to just walk on and eat cake."
Fond Memories and a Supportive Environment
She will particularly miss several aspects of the Bake Off world:
- The VIP treatment she received on set
- The playful teasing from fellow judge Paul Hollywood
- The vibrant presenting duo of Alison Hammond, whom she called "unstoppable, loving, hilarious" and noted for her "giant hugs"
- Co-presenter Noel Fielding, described as "multi-talented, slightly crazy"
"I've made truly great friends," Dame Prue said warmly. "It has been a joy to work in such great company." She acknowledged the special atmosphere cultivated within the famous tent, noting that while businesses often claim staff are "just one happy family," the Bake Off environment genuinely fostered "enjoyment, friendship and mutual support."
Looking Forward at Eighty-Six
At eighty-six years old, Dame Prue concluded that the time was right for this transition. "I persuaded myself that at 86, it was time I jumped before I was pushed," she explained. She clarified that the production company, Love Productions, had been consistently supportive throughout her tenure.
"In all my conversations over the past two years with the bosses of Love Productions, which makes the programme, they've always insisted I was doing a great job and could stay as long as I like," she confirmed. "And I know I'd enjoy it if I stayed."
Nevertheless, her personal priorities have shifted. "I do want to reorganise my life a bit," she stated. "Ideally, I'd like to work in winter and play in summer." This new chapter will allow her the seasonal freedom she has been yearning for, marking the end of a significant era for both Dame Prue and the millions of Bake Off viewers who have enjoyed her judging expertise. The next series of The Great British Bake Off is scheduled to air later this year with Nigella Lawson taking her place in the judging tent.
