Prue Leith's real reason for temporary Bake Off exit as replacement 'confirmed'

14 March 2024 , 13:01

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Prue Leith has opened up about why she decided to take a break from her judging duties on the celebrity version of the Great British Bake Off (Image: ITV)

Prue Leith has opened up about her decision to take a break from her judging duties on Bake Off.

The Great British Bake Off judge has confirmed she is taking a step back from the celebrity version of the hit Channel 4 show after the new series. Whilst Prue will remain alongside Paul Hollywood in The Great British Bake Off and its American counterpart, she will not be starring in the celebrity version for Stand Up For Cancer next year.

A source had said of Prue's decision: "Prue absolutely loves working on Bake Off but filming two series a year can be punishing on top of her other commitments. She has already filmed the normal series, which will air this year but she will not appear on the celebrity version. Prue has made it clear she adores the show and would like to come back in 2025."

However, during a chat on This Morning today, she revealed her reason for stepping back: "I'm still doing the Great American baking show and I'm still doing the Great British Bake Off - the two main shows. What I'm not doing this year is the celebrity one.

Prue alongside fellow judge Paul and hosts Noel and Alison (Channel 4 / Mark Bourdillon / Love Productions)

"It's mainly because these things are filmed back to back. You start in April and end in August and you get no time off. There are places I want to go to and other things I want to do. I'm in this year's celebrity one [which starts soon] but I won't be in the next one."

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In a statement to The Mirror, Prue confirmed her break from the celebrity show. She said: "I absolutely love working on Bake Off and am looking forward to filming the next series and meeting our new bakers, I am only stepping back from the Celebrity series, which is just a question of the filming commitment involved as we make these shows back to back."

The Sun has reported that Nigella Lawson is in talks to replace Prue on the celebrity version of the show - although a spokesperson for the star declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.

Paul Hollywood - who has been on the show since its inception - will continue to judge the celebrity version of the show as well as the main versions, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding continuing to co-host the programme.

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Jasmine Allday