Prue Leith makes stance clear on Bake Off replacement as Nigella Lawson takes over role: 'She's sassy!'

Ms Lawson, 66, will also work with presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding when the next series begins.

Ms Leith, 86, revealed last week that she would be leaving the tent after nearly a decade of judging contestants’ creations.

She joined the programme in 2017 when it transferred from the BBC to Channel 4, replacing Mary Berry and going on to assess more than 400 challenges during her time on the show.

Ms Lawson expressed her delight at the appointment, describing herself as “uncharacteristically rather lost for words” upon hearing the news.

She said in a statement: “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."

The television cook went on to describe the programme as “more than a television programme” and “a national treasure”, adding that being entrusted with the role represented “a huge honour”.

She also expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and meeting future contestants, while wishing Ms Leith well for the future.

Ms Lawson added: “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!"

Ms Leith gave her wholehearted endorsement of the decision, expressing her pleasure that Ms Lawson would be taking over the judging duties.

“I’m thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off,” Ms Leith said. “She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions, and her croissants, cake and crumble.”

The outgoing judge had previously indicated her hope that Ms Lawson would be chosen as her successor.

According to reports, Ms Leith had been “so hoping it would be Nige” amid ongoing speculation about who would fill her seat in the famous tent.

Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz welcomed the appointment, describing the pairing of Lawson with the programme as “the marriage of two great British icons”.

Ms Leith announced her decision to step away from the programme last week, citing her age as a factor in the timing.

“Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years. I have genuinely loved it, and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4,” she said.

We're delighted to announce Nigella Lawson is joining Bake Off as our new judge!

“The Great British Bake Off is more than a TV programme, it’s a National Treasure. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best & am giddily grateful for the opportunity!" – Nigella #GBBO pic.twitter.com/7WKre3W94F

— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) January 26, 2026

The 86-year-old explained that the moment felt right to move on, with other priorities calling her attention.

Ms Leith added: “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."

Ms Lawson brings considerable experience to her new role, having previously served as a judge on MasterChef Australia and the culinary competition series The Taste.

Her career in food began in journalism before she transitioned to cookbook writing, with her debut publication, How to Eat, arriving in 1998.

The book sold approximately 300,000 copies and was praised for making culinary writing more accessible to everyday readers.

Her follow-up, How To Be A Domestic Goddess, published in 2000, earned her the British Book Award for Author of the Year and established her as a household name.

She recently marked 25 years since that landmark baking book’s release.

Throughout her career, Ms Lawson has sold more than eight million cookbooks and fronted numerous television programmes, including Nigella Express and Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen.