Is GBBO sizing up possible Prue Leith replacements?

March 20, 2024 by
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Prue Leith has been the co-host of The Great British Bake Off ever since Mary Berry left following the show’s move from BBC to Channel 4. She has been there not only for the regular series, but also for the specialty shows like the holiday themed programs and the Stand Up To Cancer episodes. Last week Leith said she wouldn’t be returning to the next filming of the Stand Up To Cancer show, and now rumors are swirling that she won’t return to the famed tent at all.

So who could replace her? The Standard’s Joanna Taylor suggested five different women who could stand in Prue’s shoes (although none will match her iconic eyewear and chunky jewelry). The number one choice seems to be Nigella Lawson, and I can find no fault in that. She is knowledgeable and charming, and her demeanor would provide a good contrast to Paul Hollywood’s icy stares at the contestants. It seems the biggest obstacle for this swap to take place is that Nigella works closely with the BBC which could make it difficult for her to film with Channel 4. Some posit that Paul Hollywood might not want to be upstaged by Nigella’s star power, but I’m not sure that would be the case.

Other names thrown out for consideration are Delia Smith (probably not interested), Padma Lakshmi (likely not in sync with British baking), Ravneet Gill (maybe not enough name recognition), and former GBBO contestant Nadiya Hussain. Taylor seems to favor Hussain for the role, given that she has built a strong brand and has the necessary charisma. However, Taylor also thinks that the show might want someone with a ‘grandmotherly’ quality, something Hussain definitely doesn’t have. Who do you think would be the logical choice to replace Prue (assuming she wants to step down)?

Category: Food Biz People

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10 Comments

  • Jenny  on  March 21, 2024

    Maybe Prue couldn’t fit in the special as she was/is busy working on her book coming out in the October – Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom?

  • Jillyb3  on  March 21, 2024

    I would love to see Nadiya Hussain come back to the tent! She is so much fun! She doesn’t have as much baking history as the other mentioned though, so maybe they won’t go with her. I don’t think it needs to a grandmotherly person, just someone who’s fun and knows what they’re talking about.

  • demomcook  on  March 21, 2024

    Nigella would be fabulous, and it would be fine if she can put Paul in his place now and then.

  • justjackie  on  March 23, 2024

    I really enjoyed Prue as she had worked in food all her life and was down to earth.
    Nigella plays too many eye games to the camera.

  • breakthroughc  on  March 23, 2024

    Diana Henry would be an interesting choice.

  • goodfruit  on  March 25, 2024

    I think that if someone else comes along that they need to possess at least 20 or more years of experience in the cooking/baking arena first. What about a Canadian, Anna Olson?

  • goodfruit  on  March 25, 2024

    Oops, just realized Anna is American living in Canada.
    However, if we go for someone outside of GB, I think Dorie Greenspan would also be terrific.

  • LauraMB  on  March 27, 2024

    My vote would be for Nigella Lawson. She not only is accomplished in the field, but intelligent. Her vocabulary is wonderful. I think she would be a very interesting and amusing foil to Paul Hollywood.

  • Micklin  on  March 28, 2024

    Nigella Lawson would be amazing! Talented, funny and accomplished chef!

  • DPLK  on  April 5, 2024

    Helen Goh or Sarit Packer! Sarit is so bubbly and does a lot of online content, and Helen is a legend, both have published cookbooks!

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