Nigella Lawson Named New Judge as Prue Leith Departs Bake Off Panel
Updated (4 articles)
Channel 4 Confirms Lawson’s Appointment to Replace Leith Channel 4 announced that 66‑year‑old chef and author Nigella Lawson will join the judging bench for the 17th series of The Great British Bake Off, succeeding Prue Leith who is leaving after nine seasons [1][2]. She will sit alongside longtime judge Paul Hollywood and appear with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding [2]. The broadcaster framed the move as a “marriage of two great British icons” and highlighted Lawson’s “expertise, empathy and humour” as a perfect fit for the tent [1][2].
Lawson’s Career and Enthusiasm Emphasized in Official Statement In the release Lawson described herself as “bubbling with excitement” and called the programme a “National Treasure,” noting the pressure of following both Prue Leith and Mary Berry [1][2]. Her résumé includes bestselling cookbooks, the series Nigella Bites, and a judging stint on ABC’s The Taste [1]. Lawson’s comment that she is “uncharacteristically rather lost for words” underscores her reverence for the show’s legacy [2].
Leith Announces Retirement, Citing Age and Personal Projects The 86‑year‑old judge used social media to explain that after nine series and more than 400 challenges she is stepping back to focus on gardening and other interests [3][4]. She framed the timing as “the right time” and expressed gratitude for her decade on the programme [3][4]. Fellow judge Paul Hollywood and the official Bake Off Instagram account posted tributes, praising her “joyful judging” and “magnificent” contribution [3][4].
Industry Reactions Predict Audience Boost from Lawson’s Profile Channel 4 controller Ian Katz praised the pairing of Lawson with the established Bake Off brand, suggesting her international name recognition will attract viewers [2]. Prue Leith publicly welcomed Lawson, calling her “sassy, fun and she knows her onions” and expressing confidence in a smooth transition [1][2]. Guardian commentator Stuart Heritage speculated that Lawson could revitalize a show that has “lost its way,” offering a “shot in the arm” with her “spectacularly British” appeal [2].
Sources (4 articles)
-
[1]
CNN: Nigella Lawson to Join “The Great British Baking Show” as Judge: Announces Lawson’s appointment, details her background, and includes praise from Channel 4 and Leith .
-
[2]
BBC: Nigella Lawson to Join The Great British Bake Off as New Judge: Confirms appointment, adds comments from Ian Katz, Leith’s exit statement, and Guardian speculation on impact .
-
[3]
WBNS: Prue Leith leaves Bake Off after nine years on the judging panel: Focuses on Leith’s retirement, her reasons, and tributes from the show and Paul Hollywood .
-
[4]
King5: Prue Leith to step down as Bake Off judge after nine years: Mirrors WBNS coverage, emphasizing Leith’s age, garden plans, and official Bake Off tribute .
Timeline
2017 – Prue Leith joins The Great British Bake Off as a judge, replacing Mary Berry and forming the panel with Paul Hollywood; her arrival helps shape the show as it grows into a global hit[3].
Jan 21, 2026 – Prue Leith, 86, announces on social media that she will step down after nine series and more than 400 challenges, saying “now feels like the right time to step back” to enjoy her garden and other interests; the show’s official accounts and Paul Hollywood issue tributes praising her contribution[3][4].
Jan 26, 2026 – Channel 4 confirms Nigella Lawson as the new Bake Off judge, replacing Leith; Lawson says she is “bubbling with excitement” and calls the programme a “National Treasure,” while Leith welcomes her as “sassy, fun and she knows her onions,” and controller Ian Katz hails the “marriage of two great British icons”[1][2].
Later 2026 (17th series) – The Great British Bake Off returns for its 17th series with Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood judging, alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding; the series is slated for broadcast later in the year, marking Lawson’s debut in the tent[1].