Prue Leith Admits She’s ‘Keen’ to Leave Great British Bake Off for ‘Worrying’ Reason
Dame Prue Leith has hinted that her time as a judge on The Great British Bake Off may soon be coming to an end.
The 85-year-old culinary expert, who joined the show in 2017, admitted she is considering stepping away after the upcoming series,
citing concerns about her ability to keep up with the demanding filming schedule.
Considering an Exit
Speaking candidly about her future on the beloved baking competition, Leith acknowledged that she is feeling the effects of aging more than ever before.
While she remains committed to this year’s series, she is unsure whether she will return for another.
“I’m doing this year’s Bake Off, and I don’t know if this will be my last. I’ve got to stop some time, so I might stop next year,” she told The Mail on Sunday.
She went on to explain that she has noticed changes in her physical abilities that make the long filming days more challenging.
“I thought I’d just see how I go this year, because I definitely feel a bit older this year than I did last year,” Leith admitted. “Things like getting out of a chair take me longer than they used to. I don’t like big steps without a handrail. None of these things worried me two years ago—I could run upstairs—and so I’m very keen to leave Bake Off before I’m asked to leave.”
Filming Schedule Concerns
Leith’s concerns stem from the rigorous filming schedule of The Great British Bake Off, which takes place at Welford Park in Berkshire. The upcoming 16th season is set to begin production in April and will continue through June before airing in September.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Leith joining longtime judge Paul Hollywood, 58, as well as presenters Alison Hammond, 50, and Noel Fielding, 51. However, as she evaluates her ability to continue with the show, Leith is weighing the possibility of stepping aside to allow someone else to take her place.
Stepping Back from Special Episodes
This is not the first time Leith has made adjustments to her role on Bake Off. Last year, she announced that she would not be participating in The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer or any other special editions of the show. At the time, she clarified that she was not leaving the main series but simply needed a break from the intensive filming schedule.
“These things are filmed back-to-back all the way through summer from April to August, so you don’t get any time off,” she explained during an appearance on This Morning.
She also expressed her desire to travel more and take time for herself. “I’m getting quite old, and there are places I want to see,” she said.
Leith’s decision to step away from the celebrity edition of the show led to the appointment of her longtime friend and fellow culinary expert, Caroline Waldegrave, as her temporary replacement. She was quick to praise Waldegrave’s abilities, sharing her excitement on social media.
“Caroline is perfect! The kindest and most knowledgeable teacher, the bakers will love her,” Leith wrote on Instagram in January.
A Legacy on Bake Off
Leith has been a key part of The Great British Bake Off since taking over from Mary Berry in 2017, when the show moved from the BBC to Channel 4. Her expertise, warmth, and witty critiques have made her a beloved figure among fans of the series.
As she approaches a potential departure, her legacy on the show is undeniable. Her thoughtful judging style and passion for baking have made a lasting impression, and if she does decide to step away, it will mark the end of an era for Bake Off viewers.
For now, Prue Leith remains committed to the 16th season, but whether she will return for another remains to be seen. Fans will undoubtedly cherish every moment with her on the show, knowing that her time in the famous Bake Off tent may soon be coming to a close.
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