Prue Leith Departs ‘The Great British Bake Off’ as Judge
Prue Leith has announced her departure from ‘The Great British Bake Off,’ a staple of British television. The judge revealed this news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, citing her enjoyment of the show and her intention to explore other interests.
Prue Leith’s Journey on ‘The Great British Bake Off’
Leith has served as a judge for nine seasons. She joined the series in 2017, succeeding Mary Berry. Alongside Paul Hollywood, she assessed countless bakes, overseeing more than 400 challenges throughout her tenure.
Reasons for Departure
- Leith expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life.”
- She mentioned feeling it was the right time to leave, especially at the age of 86.
- Prue looks forward to spending more time gardening and pursuing other passions.
Current Hosting Team
With Leith’s departure, the judging panel now sees a shift. The current hosts are Alison Hammond, who joined this year, and Noel Fielding, a familiar face since 2017. As for the civilian Bake Off, a replacement for Leith has not yet been announced.
Fan and Contestant Reactions
Many former contestants took to social media to express their well-wishes. 2018 champion Rahul Mandal commented on the joy of working with her, highlighting her kindness and inspiration. Jasmine Mitchell, last year’s winner, also expressed her sadness, stating she would be greatly missed.
As Prue Leith leaves ‘The Great British Bake Off,’ her impact on the show and its contestants is undeniable. Fans and participants alike have cherished her contributions, and while change is on the horizon, her legacy will resonate within the Bake Off community.