Nigella Lawson is confirmed as Prue Leith's replacement on The Great British Bake Off

Nigella Lawson is officially replacing Dame Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

The 66-year-old esteemed TV cook has admitted it's "daunting" stepping into the shoes of the 85-year-old culinary expert.

Nigella will join fellow judge Paul Hollywood, 59, when the Channel 4 show’s new series begins filming in April, and admitted that while she is “bubbling with excitement,” she knows she has big shoes to fill, following two “great dames” in Prue and original judge Dame Mary Berry.

She 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!”

Prue couldn't be happier with the choice.

She said: “I’m thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off.

“She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble.”

Just days ago, The Sun newspaper reported that Nigella was headed to the big white tent.

A source told the outlet: "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."

Nigella is no stranger to judging on cookery shows; she served up feedback on MasterChef Australia, as well as a few Christmas specials.

Prue took to Instagram last 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."