Nigella Lawson 'in talks' to replace Dame Prue Leith as Bake Off judge
It has been claimed that TV cook Nigella Lawson is replacing Dame Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.
Nigella Lawson is reportedly "in talks" to replace Dame Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.
It has been claimed that the 66-year-old esteemed TV cook has been thought of as the 85-year-old food expert's successor "since 2024", and that Nigella is in the "final stages of contract discussions" to join fellow judge, chef Paul Hollywood, 59, when the Channel 4 show's new series starts filming in April.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Nigella’s recognised worldwide.
"She’s got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that are synonymous with Bake Off.
"Prue has been wonderful, but Nigella will be a sure-fire hit."
If all goes well, viewers could see Nigella in the programme's famed white tent with Paul, as the duo cast their eyes over the bakers to decide which contestant will be crowned that episode's star baker.
The insider added: "Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon."
Nigella is no stranger to judging on cookery shows, as she served up feedback on MasterChef Australia, as well as a few Christmas specials.
Prue took to Instagram on Wednesday (21.01.26) to announce her departure from The Great British Bake Off - hosted by Alison Hammond, 50, and 52 year old Noel Fielding - after nine years as a judge because the timing feels right.
The star - who joined the show in 2017, replacing culinary expert Dame Mary Berry, 90, as a judge following The Great British Bake Off's move from the BBC to Channel 4 - said "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’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!), 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."
During her time on the show, Prue became known not only for her culinary authority but also for her gentle encouragement of the often-stressed contestants and her unintentionally cheeky remarks, which often left the tent - and viewers at home - in hysterics.
Recognising her huge contribution to the show, Love Productions said in a statement: "From her genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers to her ability to drop innocent innuendos that reduce the entire tent (and the audience at home) to tears of laughter, Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”
Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, echoed those sentiments, adding: “Prue Leith has been a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers.
"We are grateful for her passion, her wit, her ineffable style, and all the summers she spent in the tent. She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers."
