🍰 Prue Leith Reveals Who She Hoped Would Replace Her on ‘The Great British Bake Off’

Fans of “The Great British Bake Off” were shocked to learn on January 21 that longtime judge Prue Leith was stepping away from her role after nine seasons on the show.

After Nigella Lawson was announced as her replacement on the food competition series, Leith responded in the comments, saying, “I was so hoping it would be Nigella! Brilliant choice 🙌”

Prue Leith Announced Her Retirement

Leith, who joined “The Great British Bake Off” in March 2017, took to Instagram on January 21 to announce her retirement.

“After nine series and judging more than 400 challenges, I have decided to step down as a judge on ‘The Great British Bake Off,’” she began in her goodbye post. “‘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.”

Fans were understandably saddened by her farewell, with one even joking, “Retirement denied. see you next season.”

Nigella Lawson Takes Over for Prue Leith

Shortly after Leith announced her exit, rumors began circulating that Lawson would be tapped as her replacement. “British Bake Off” confirmed the reports on Monday, January 26, via Instagram.

“We’re delighted to announce that Nigella Lawson is joining The Great British Bake Off as our new judge!” the beloved show captioned a photo of Lawson.

At the time of the announcement, Lawson 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,” she continued. 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!”

Season 17 of “The Great British Bake Off” is set to premiere later this year, the network announced.