Great British Bake Off favourite Prue Leith has broken her silence after it was announced that Nigella Lawson will replace her on the Channel 4 show.
Last week, Prue announced that she was leaving the show after nine years, marking the end of an era for the much-loved baking competition.
Prue joined Bake Off in 2017 after stepping into the role previously held by Mary Berry, and become a familiar face alongside Paul Hollywood, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding completing the presenting line-up.
It’s important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV & Celebrity news to share with our community of loyal readers.
Click here and tick Entertainmentdaily.com
But now, after stepping back from the festive spin-off, Prue has revealed she’s ready to move on and focus on other parts of her life. Nigella Lawson has today (January 26) been announced as her replacement.
Prue Leith quits The Great British Bake Off
Prue shared the news on Instagram last week (January 21), confirming that she will be stepping down as a judge and admitting she’ll miss her time on the show.
Posting a series of photos, she wrote: “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 will 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 take a step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!).”
Prue also revealed she already knows how she plans to spend her newfound free time. She continued: “There is so much I would like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden.”
She added: “Whoever joins the team, I am sure they will love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”
View this post on Instagram
Alison Hammond breaks silence
Hours after Prue announced she was leaving, GBBO host Alison Hammond has shared her support. Posting on her Stories, she reshared the post, with a picture with Paul, Prue and Noel, and said: “We will miss you so much Prue.”
Fans react to Prue’s exit
Fans were quick to share their sadness, flooding the comments with heartfelt messages following her announcement.
“Absolute legend Dame Prue! Your legacy shall never be forgotten,” one wrote.
Another commented: “You are an absolute icon of the baking world and will be so missed. Especially your naughty double entendres.”
“You will be a very hard act to follow, Prue,” a third added.
Others were openly emotional. “No, please don’t go. We are going to miss you on TV so much,” one fan begged.
Another summed it up, writing: “What a run! Thanks for helping putting joy and love into our lives. In the insanity of the world, you helped make GBBO a sanctuary from the chaos.”
View this post on Instagram
Nigella takes over as Bake Off judge
Today (January 26), it’s been announced that Nigella Lawson is taking over from Prue. And Prue sounds pretty pleased with her replacement.
Posting on the social media announcement that told GBBO fans about Nigella joining the show, Prue said: “I was so hoping it would be Nigella! Brilliant choice.”
Nigella commented: “Thank you, thank you, thank you — I can’t wait to enter the Tent of Dreams!”
Nigella’s Bake Off statement
In a statement, she also said: “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.
“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
Viewers divided
While some are thrilled at the idea of Nigella taking over, others aren’t so keen.
One said: “Not sure if I could sustain watching her flirt and use sexualised language throughout the show.” “Really? Might be the nudge I need to stop watching it,” said a second. “Congrats, you’ve just lost an insane amount of viewers!” predicted a third.
“Well, that’s me never watching GBBO again. After years of enjoying your show you’ve driven me and my family away with your appalling pick for a new presenter,” another declared.
Read more: GBBO star Prue Leith reveals she’s tried weight-loss jabs: ‘I didn’t shed an ounce!’
What do you think of Prue Leith leaving Great British Bake Off? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. We want to know your thoughts!