One of the most beloved judges on “The Great British Bake Off” is hanging up her apron.
Prue Leith, 86, a colorful star of the Netflix cooking hit, announced on Instagram Jan. 21 that she is stepping down from the show after nine seasons.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Leith joined the show in 2017, replacing Mary Berry and joining judge Paul Hollywood. Noel Fielding joined the show as a host the same year, followed by Alison Hammond in 2023.
“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,” Leith wrote. “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.”
Fielding paid tribute to Leith in the comments.
“Prue — an actual National Treasure!” he wrote. “Your energy and humour and all round colourful fabulousness is something to behold ! Gonna miss yooooooooo ! Until i see you again soon 😂 x love you and have fun with your summers x x x We had a blast didn’t we ! x”
The show also sent well wishes to Leith upon her announcement. Her replacement has not been named.
“Our wonderful Prue has decided to step away from judging Bake Off,” the show wrote on its X account. “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.”
Leith has been cooking for more than 60 years and helmed a Michelin-starred restaurant in London from the late 1960s until the 1990s. She also is a former newspaper food columnist and has authored dozens of books between her cookbooks and novels.
She became an instant favorite after joining “The Great British Bake Off” for her cooking acumen, bubbly personality and colorful outfits and accessories. Leith spoke to Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb on TODAY in 2022 about the appeal of the show.
“I think it taps into some need for something comforting, kind, encouraging, actually nice,” she said.
Chefs and former “Bake Off” contestants also wished her well in the comments of her Instagram post.
“We will miss you so much. It was a joy and privilege to be in the tent (with) you,” 2018 “Bake Off” champion Rahul Mandal wrote. “You are kind, funny, passionate and always inspired us. I want Deveshi to be like you, bold, brave and beautiful.”
“Awwwww, Prue you’re amazing and we will miss you so very much xxx,” 2025 champion Jasmine Mitchell wrote.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
