There are few TV jobs that come with as much baggage as judging The Great British Bake Off. It’s not just about knowing your choux from your chiffon; it’s about personality, credibility, gentle authority, and the ability to critique a sponge without ruining someone’s week.
This is why Prue Leith’s decision to step away after nine years has left a very specific hole in the tent.
Leith confirmed her exit with typical honesty on Instagram, with her post saying: “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.”
With that, plenty of speculation has already begun as to who could actually replace the beloved Bake Off host. While dozens of names have been thrown into the ring, with eight in particular put together by the Mirror, only one has actually been reported as potentially being in the works.
Nigella Lawson
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According to sources, Nigella Lawson is being lined up as Leith's replacement, though it’s important to stress that nothing has been confirmed by Channel 4 yet.
The suggestion has been bubbling away for a while, with sources claiming she’s been talked about internally since Leith began scaling back her workload.
The appeal is obvious: she’s globally recognised, effortlessly authoritative, and very comfortable on food television. Still, until an official announcement lands, this one remains a very shiny maybe rather than a done deal.
Rosemary Shrager
A name that keeps popping up in fan conversations is Rosemary Shrager.
A familiar face on British food TV, she’s seen by many as a safe pair of hands. One fan summed it up neatly, writing: “Really sad to be losing Prue. Rosemary Shrager would be a fabulous replacement.”
Angela Hartnett
Michelin-starred and no stranger to judging, Angela Hartnett has also been floated by viewers.
Not everyone is fully sold, though, with one fan saying: “I think Angela Hartnett would be a good judge, I've liked her on shows, but she is maybe too much of a chef rather than a baker.”
Nadiya Hussain
Few names generate as much warm fondness as Nadiya Hussain, especially among the Bake Off community.
A former Bake Off winner turned national treasure, her return in a judging capacity is something a good number of fans would welcome for sure.
There have been comments like ‘Nadiya to be new judge please’ and ‘Nadiya would be excellent!’, capturing the general response to this one.
Caroline Waldegrave
Caroline Waldegrave already has form in the tent, having stepped in during SU2C specials.
Fans noticed, too. One wrote: “Lowkey, I think a great replacement will be that woman who covered Prue in the SU2C episodes. I loved her!”
Delia Smith
An icon of British cookery, Delia Smith’s name still carries serious weight.
One fan rallied behind her with: “If Dame Mary Berry Lady of the Cakes says no thanks Bring On Duchess Delia of Smith!”
Rustie Lee
For those craving nostalgia and personality, Rustie Lee has emerged as a favourite.
A fan vote summed it up simply: "I vote Rustie Lee as Prue's replacement!"
Dame Mary Berry
The ultimate comeback fantasy, some fans want Bake Off to go back where it started, with calls like: “Bring Back National Treasure Dame Mary Berry, Lady with the Cakes,” and the ever-direct: “Bring back Mary Berry!”
Lennie Ware
Finally, Table Manners podcaster Lennie Ware has been championed for her friendliness, experience, and sheer charm.
One fan wrote: “Anyone think that Lennie from Table Manners would be an excellent replacement? She certainly knows her stuff in the kitchen and has bags of personality as well!”
FOODbible has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
Topics: Celebrity
Ben Williams