Bake Off Judge Prue Leith Steps Down After Nine Years
LONDON, January 21, 2026 – Dame Prue Leith, the iconic judge of *The Great British Bake Off*, has announced she is stepping down from the hit Channel 4 baking competition. The 86-year-old culinary expert said “now feels like the right time to step back” after nine series and more than 400 judged challenges.
A Fond Farewell
Leith made the announcement public via a statement on Wednesday, January 21. “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,” she said. She cited her age and a desire to spend summers enjoying her garden and pursuing other activities as key reasons for her departure.
Channel 4’s chief content officer, Ian Katz, paid tribute to Leith, calling her “a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers.” The network stated that an announcement regarding her replacement would be made “in due course.”
Leith’s Bake Off Legacy
Dame Prue joined the show in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, taking over from fellow baking legend Mary Berry as judge alongside Paul Hollywood. During her tenure, she became known for her elegant style, sharp yet kind critiques, and a penchant for playful innuendo that endeared her to millions of viewers.
Former contestants were quick to express their sadness and gratitude. Dr. Rahul Mandal, the 2018 winner, wrote: “We will miss you so much… You are kind, funny, passionate and always inspired us.” Fellow champion Peter Sawkins added it was “a complete privilege” to be on the show with her as judge.
Key Facts: Prue Leith’s Tenure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Role on Show | Judge, alongside Paul Hollywood |
| Tenure | 9 years (2017-2026) |
| Challenges Judged | More than 400 |
| Age at Departure | 86 years old |
| Predecessor | Mary Berry |
| Reason for Leaving | Age, desire to enjoy garden and pursue other activities |
A Personal Journey: Finding Love Again
Beyond her television career, Leith has been open about her personal life, including finding love again later in life. In a recent podcast appearance, she shared that she met her now-husband, John, in 2011, eight years after the death of her first husband, Rayne, in 2002.
She described the moment she realized she was interested in someone new as “very odd,” having believed that part of her life had ended. Despite an initial concern over their six-year age difference (she was 70, he was 64), their connection flourished. Leith has often reflected on grief, once quoting the late Queen Elizabeth II: “Grief is the price you pay for love.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Prue Leith leaving Bake Off?
Prue Leith is leaving primarily due to her age (86) and a desire to spend her summers enjoying her garden and pursuing other personal interests she hasn’t had time for while filming the show.
Who will replace Prue Leith on Bake Off?
As of the announcement, Channel 4 has not named a replacement. They stated an announcement would be made “in due course.”
How long was Prue Leith on Bake Off?
Prue Leith was a judge on *The Great British Bake Off* for nine years, from 2017 until her departure in 2026.
Did Prue Leith find love again after being widowed?
Yes. Prue Leith met her second husband, John, in 2011, and they have been happily married for nearly a decade.