Nigella Lawson is thought to be poised to take over from Dame Prue Leith as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, with contract negotiations said to be nearing completion.
It is understood the 66-year-old television cook is ready to put pen to paper following Ms Leith’s announcement yesterday that she would be stepping down from the Channel 4 programme.
Should the deal be finalised, Ms Lawson will join veteran judge Paul Hollywood when cameras begin rolling for the upcoming series in April.
Speculation about Lawson succeeding Leith has circulated since 2024, when the 85-year-old began reducing her commitments and chose not to participate in the celebrity edition of the baking competition.
Nigella Lawson could replace Prue Leith
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Insiders believe the domestic goddess will prove an instant success with viewers.
A source told The Sun: “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 Bake Off.”
The source added: “Prue has been wonderful but Nigella will be a sure-fire hit.”
Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage, with the source stating: “Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon.”
Prue Leith announced on Wednesday she’d be leaving Channel 4 Great British Bake Off
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Ms Lawson’s most recent British television appearance was in Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat on BBC Two back in 2020. She has since appeared as a judge on MasterChef Australia and presented several Christmas specials.
Dame Prue confirmed her departure yesterday after nine series judging the baking competition, during which she assessed more than 400 challenges.
In a statement, the 85-year-old said: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”
She expressed that she would miss collaborating with Mr Hollywood, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the production teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.
It is understood Channel 4 is hoping for Nigella Lawson to join the popular baking show
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“Now feels like the right time to step back,” Leith explained, noting her age and desire to pursue other interests.
The South African-British food writer, who was made a Dame in 2021 for services to food, broadcasting and charity, revealed she was particularly looking forward to spending summers tending to her garden rather than working in the famous tent.
Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz paid tribute to the departing judge while suggesting their working relationship would continue.
He said he was “looking forward to working with her on new projects” and that “she leaves an indelible mark on the show.”
Prue Leith joined Paul Hollywood as a Bake Off judge in 2017
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CHANNEL 4
Production company Love Productions also praised Leith’s contribution, highlighting her expertise, encouragement of contestants, and talent for delivering unintentional double entendres.
“Prue will always have a piece of Bake Off’s heart,” the company stated.
When asked about Ms Leith’s successor, an official Bake Off spokesman declined to confirm the Ms Lawson reports, saying only: “The new judge will be announced in due course.”
Leith replaced Mary Berry when the programme moved from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2017.
