Prue Leith’s big-name replacement as Bake Off judge ‘named’

The star is reportedly in the final stages of discussions to star on the hit Channel 4 show

Nigella Lawson is reportedly set to replace Dame Prue Leith as judge on The Great British Bake Off. According to reports, the star is in the final stages of discussions following Prue’s announcement today that she’d be leaving the show after nine years. It’s thought Nigella will join Paul Hollywood when filming starts for the new series in April.

Nigella’s last TV appearance in the UK was in Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat on BBC Two in 2020. Since then she has judged on MasterChef Australia and fronted some Christmas specials. According to a source, bosses are confident she’ll be a “sure-fire hit” when she joins the baking show.

The source added: “Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon.” The source added to The Sun: Nigella’s recognised worldwide. She’s got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that are synonymous with Bake Off.”

Dame Prue Leith announced her exit in a statement today. The 85 year old, who judges the baker’s creations alongside Paul Hollywood – who has been on the show since in began – is a fan favourite but is now looking forward to some time off, and plans to spend her summer in her garden instead of the sweltering Bake Off tent.

Prue posted photos of her time on the show, which included a snap of herself and Paul as well as a photo of Prue and Paul posing with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding on her Instagram to share the news. She then wrote in the caption: “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 and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4. But now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!), there’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden.

“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,” she penned as she ended the announcement. The news was met with well-wishes from fans as one wrote: “Ahhh sorry to miss you Prue! Thanks for all the love”.

Love Productions, who produce the hit show, added: “Huge thanks to Prue who has been a brilliant judge on Bake Off and a much loved presence in the tent for nearly a decade. From her genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers to her ability to drop innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter, Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”

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