NIGELLA Lawson is to join The Great British Bake Off after Prue Leith stepped down as a judge today.
Sources said contract talks were coming to a close and the 66-year-old was ready to sign on the dotted line as popular replacement.
Nigella Lawson has been lined up to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake OffCredit: Alamy
Prue has left the baking show after nine years as a judgeCredit: Channel 4
has been talked of as her successor since 2024 when Prue, now 85, cut her workload by ducking the celebrity series.
She will line up alongside long-standing judge when filming for the new series begins in April.
A source said: “Nigella’s recognised worldwide.
“She’s got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that are synonymous with
“Prue has been wonderful but Nigella will be a sure-fire hit.”
The source added: “Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon.”
The telly favourite’s last appearance in a UK TV series was in Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat on Two in 2020.
Since then she has judged on Australia and delivered a few Christmas specials.
Prue replaced in 2017 and has judged more than 400 challenges over nine series of the show, which is hosted by Alison Hammond and .
During her stint, she admitted she gave up breakfast and lunch to stay in shape and tried fat jabs, but hated the side-effects.
A source said that Nigella is being lined up to star alongside co-host Paul Hollywood and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel FieldingCredit: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer / Love Productions
They said of Nigella: ‘She’s already got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that have become synonymous with Bake Off’Credit: PA
In 2017, South African-British before the finale aired after miscalculating the time difference while tweeting from a holiday in the Himalayas. She was “mortified” by the blunder.
Yesterday Prue said: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.
“I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and .”
Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.
Prue Leith
Prue, made a Dame in 2021 for services to food, broadcasting and , added: “Now feels like the right time to step back.”
Despite , Channel 4’s Ian Katz’s hinted at a return, saying he was “looking forward to working with her on new projects”. He said: “She leaves an indelible mark on the show.”
Makers Love Productions said: “From her genuine expertise and encouragement of the bakers to her ability to drop innocent innuendos, Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart.”
A Bake Off spokesman said: “The new judge will be announced in due course.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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