Prue Leith Leaves 'The Great British Bake Off' After 9 Years... "At 86, It's Time to Step Down"

The representative healing entertainment show of the UK, 'The Great British Bake Off (GBBO)', will see its judge Prue Leith (86) leave the beloved tent.

According to local media in the UK on the 22nd (Korean time), Prue Leith officially announced her departure from the program she has been part of for 9 years through her Instagram on the 21st.

◆ "At 86, There Are So Many Things I Want to Do"

Leith stated in a statement, "After judging over 400 bakes over 9 seasons, I have decided to step down from my role as a judge." She cited 'age' and 'leisure' as the main reasons for her departure. Leith expressed her thoughts candidly and cheerfully, saying, "Think about the fact that I am 86 years old. There are so many things I want to do. I especially want to fully enjoy the summer in my garden, not on the filming set."

◆ Filling the Shoes of Mary Berry for 9 Years

A Michelin-starred restaurant chef and culinary master who catered for Queen Elizabeth, Leith joined the program in 2017 as the successor to the legendary judge Mary Berry when the show moved from BBC to Channel 4. Initially, there were concerns, but she solidified her position with her professional knowledge, generosity towards the contestants, and unique fashion sense with her glamorous necklaces and glasses. The production company, Love Productions, paid tribute, stating, "Her expertise and witty jokes that made viewers laugh will always remain a piece of GBBO."

◆ Paul Hollywood Remains... Who Will Be the Successor?

Although Prue Leith is leaving, the sharp-tongued judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will stay. Channel 4 plans to announce the successor judge in line with the new season airing in late 2026. Leith encouraged until the end, saying, "Whoever joins will love this program as much as I do."