On your marks, get set, bake! Renowned TV chef Nigella Lawson is officially taking over from Dame Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.
Prue announced that she was leaving the show last week after nine series, having replaced original judge Mary Berry back in 2017. Since then, fans of the iconic TV show have been wondering who will step up to join Paul Hollywood as judge, with plenty of names being thrown into the mix. However, it has now been officially confirmed that the queen of innuendo Nigella will be following Prue’s footsteps.
“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,” Nigella exclaimed in a statement.
“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. 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!”
Prue shared her love for the show when she announced she was stepping down last week, and how much she’ll miss working with the team. However, she said that “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.”
Speaking of her replacement, Prue said, “I’m thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off. She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble.”
Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at Channel 4 said, “We’re incredibly excited about the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella. With Nigella joining the tent, Love Productions have created the dream team of British telly. Nigella brings an incomparable combination of warmth, expertise and sophistication to the tent, and this summer’s series will be as mouthwatering a prospect as her chocolate Guinness cake.”
The Great British Bake Off will return to Channel 4 later this year, with Nigella and Paul Hollywood as judges, and Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding as hosts.
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