“The Great British Bake Off” fans are in for a surprise as longtime judge Prue Leith announced she will be leaving the beloved show.
Prue Leith Announces ‘The Great British Bake Off’ Exit
Leith took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 21, to announce she will be stepping away from the competition series after nearly a decade.
“After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on ‘The Great British Bake Off,'” she began her announcement. “‘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!)”
She continued, “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.”
Leith first joined “Great British Bake Off” in March 2017, after spending 11 years as a judge on BBC Two’s “Great British Menu.” She replaced former judge Mary Berry at the time.
‘The Great British Bake Off’ Shared the News of Leith’s Departure
Shortly before Leith’s announcement, the official social media profiles for the beloved competition series revealed the sad news to fans.
“Our wonderful Prue has decided to step away from judging ‘Bake Off,'” the news, which was shared via Instagram, began. “From joyful judging to colourful fits to accidental innuendoes, you are simply the best and will be so missed. Please join us in wishing Prue the very best and thanking her for nine brilliant years in the Tent.”
Fans and former contestants quickly began sharing their well-wishes to the soon-to-be retired judge.
“It’s been incredible working with you Prue, you are magnificent and we have had such a laugh, I will see you soon …. I’ll cook,” fellow judge Paul Hollywood commented.
“I feel so privileged to have been in the final group to have been judged by the legend that is Prue!” contestant Toby Littlewood wrote. “Also sorry if my framboisier was the tipping point.”
“What an absolute honour it was to spend your last series with you! A truly incredible person and someone all of us respect so much. We’re all gonna miss our visually stunning sculpted tart,” another former contestant Iain Ross added.
Leith will be dearly missed.
