Prue Leith's Swift Return to Television After Bake Off Departure
Just days after announcing her departure from The Great British Bake Off, Dame Prue Leith has already secured her next television project. The 85-year-old culinary expert, who replaced Mary Berry as a judge nine years ago, is not taking a break from the screen but instead diving straight into new work.
A New Partnership with Sandi Toksvig
Reports indicate that Dame Prue will team up with former Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksvig for a travelogue series. The show is said to be filmed in Prue's native South Africa, featuring both nostalgic locations from her past and new destinations. According to sources, the two women developed a strong friendship during their time on Bake Off and have long discussed collaborating on television projects.
"The two women cemented their friendship during the years on Bake Off," a source revealed. "Although Sandi left the tent six years ago, they've remained close pals and long talked about doing more telly work together."
Filming Already Completed
It is claimed that filming for the new series has already concluded, with the programme expected to air on Channel 4 later this year. The timing could align with the launch of Bake Off's 17th season, which will see Nigella Lawson join Paul Hollywood as a judge. This swift production turnaround highlights Prue's proactive approach to her career post-Bake Off.
The source added: "Prue's departure from Bake Off gave her more free time to explore other work she had to keep on the back burner." This suggests that while Prue expressed a desire to "play more and work less" in her departure statement, she remains committed to engaging television projects that align with her interests.
Reflections on Bake Off and Future Plans
In her departure announcement at the end of January, Dame Prue shared heartfelt reflections on her nine-year tenure. She penned: "After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it."
She cited a desire to spend summers in her garden rather than in the hot Bake Off tent, but this new venture shows she is not stepping away from television entirely. Instead, she is pivoting to a format that allows her to share personal connections and travel experiences.
Industry Reactions and Excitement
Meanwhile, Nigella Lawson, who is set to replace Prue on Bake Off, expressed her excitement about the new role. She said in a statement: "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."
This development underscores the dynamic nature of television careers, where exits from long-running shows can quickly lead to fresh opportunities. Dame Prue's move demonstrates her enduring appeal and versatility in the entertainment industry.
