Prue Leith, a beloved judge on "The Great British Bake Off," has announced Wednesday she's leaving "The Tent" after nine scrumptious seasons.
Leith, the renowned chef and culinary educator known for her colorful outfits, cheeriness and cheek, announced her departure on Instagram.
"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 wrote. "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it."
She said she'll miss her fellow judge, Paul Hollywood, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. The foursome have warmed the hearts of viewers around the globe on the friendly on-screen culinary competition.
"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," Leith wrote. "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."
Fielding hailed Leith as a “national treasure,” adding in a comment, “We had a blast didn’t we!”
Hammond commented: “You have been incredible Prue ! I’m gonna miss our dame ❤️” Meanwhile, Hollywood commented with a heart and tearful emoji.
The show's X account shared the announcement, as well, saying: "Our wonderful Prue has decided to step away from judging Bake Off. From joyful judging to colourful fits to accidental innuendoes, you are simply the best and will be so missed. Please join us in wishing Prue the very best and thanking her for nine brilliant years in the Tent."
A national treasure, indeed, Leith was made a dame in Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honors for services to food, broadcasting and charity in 2021.
Leith is a culinary master who has worn many hats. She was a successful restaurateur who, in 1969, opened Leith’s, her restaurant that went on to win a Michelin star, as well as a food columnist, a cookbook writer, a novelist and a broadcaster.
Her legacy also extends into education. In 1975, she founded Leiths School of Food and Wine in London alongside Caroline Waldegrave. She sold the business in 1995, but it still runs today under her name. In the '90s, she went on to help create the Prue Leith Culinary Institute in South Africa, where she is from.
