End of an Era: Prue Leith leaving Great British Bake Off 2026 After 9 Seasons
Dame Prue Leith is leaving The Great British Bake Off after 9 years. Discover why Prue Leith leaving Great British Bake Off 2026 is the end of a culinary era.
Over 400 challenges and 9 iconic seasons later, the white tent is losing one of its most colorful pillars. Dame Prue Leith announced on January 21, 2026, that she's stepping down from her role as a judge on the beloved reality competition.
Why Prue Leith leaving Great British Bake Off 2026 Matters
The 86-year-old culinary legend shared that "now feels like the right time to step back." Since joining in 2016—when the show moved from the BBC to Channel 4—Leith has been instrumental in maintaining the show's "ultra-cozy" atmosphere. She noted her desire to spend more summers enjoying her garden, a well-deserved break after nearly a decade of high-stakes tasting.
Tributes from the GBBO Family
The press and social media are buzzing with tributes. Fellow judge Paul Hollywood called her "magnificent," while presenter Noel Fielding shared a touching message, calling her a "force of nature." Even past winners like Rahul Mandal (2018) joined in, thanking her for being a constant source of inspiration in the tent.
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