Nigella Lawson has today been officially unveiled as the new judge on The Great British Bake Off, admitting she is “giddily grateful” — and “bubbling with excitement” — as she prepares to step into one of British television’s most treasured roles.
The beloved TV chef replaces Prue Leith, who confirmed her departure from the show last week after nine hugely successful series.
Nigella will now take her seat in the famous Bake Off tent alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
Speaking about her new role, Nigella confessed she was momentarily lost for words.
“I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now,” she said. “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 absolutely bubbling with excitement.”
She added: “The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme. It’s a national treasure. To be entrusted with it is a huge honour.”
The TV star continued: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and I am giddily grateful for this opportunity.”
The Sun first revealed last week that Nigella was set to replace Prue, with a source describing the signing as “phenomenal” and a major win for the Channel 4 show.
Outgoing judge Prue Leith has also publicly backed the decision, throwing her support behind her successor.
“I’m thrilled that Nigella is going to experience the brilliance of Bake Off,” Prue said. “She’s sassy, fun, and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble.”
Nigella’s appointment marks a high-profile return to regular TV judging. She has not fronted a new standalone series since Cook, Eat, Repeat in 2020, though she has appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia and presented several festive specials — most recently Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas for BBC Two in 2023.
Prue, who replaced Mary Berry in 2017, judged more than 400 challenges across her nine series before deciding to step away.
At 86, she explained her decision candidly: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life, and I’ve genuinely loved it. But now feels like the right time to step back — I’m 86 for goodness sake! There’s so much I still want to do, not least enjoying my garden in the summer.”
Channel 4’s chief content officer Ian Katz hailed the move as a dream pairing, saying: “We’re incredibly excited about the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella. With her joining the tent, Love Productions have created the dream team of British telly.”
He added: “Nigella brings an incomparable combination of warmth, expertise and sophistication — and this summer’s series promises to be as mouthwatering as her chocolate Guinness cake.”
Love Productions boss Ralph Lee echoed the sentiment, calling Nigella “one of the most influential and beloved voices in food”.
“Nigella’s warmth, wit and passion for baking make her a perfect fit for the tent,” he said. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have her joining the Bake Off family.”
Nigella is set to begin filming for the new series this spring, with the show scheduled to return to screens later this year.
