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Nigella Lawson will be taking over duties from Prue Leith on “The Great British Bake Off” following the longtime judge’s departure from the beloved series.
The TV chef and food writer will join Paul Hollywood to score contestant’s confectionary creations on the next season of the Channel 4 baking competition, alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.
“I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now,” Lawson said in a statement posted to the show’s official Instagram. “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.”
Lawson added: “‘The Great British Bake Off’ is more than a television program, it’s a National Treasure — and it’s a huge honor to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvelous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
Leith announced last week that she would be leaving the series after nearly a decade as a judge. “‘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. “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. Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.”
Leith approved Lawson’s appointment, saying (via BBC News): “She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble.”
Lawson is known for her cookbooks, including the bestselling “How to Eat” and “How to Be a Domestic Goddess,” as well as hosting cooking shows “Nigella Bites,” “Nigella Feasts” and “Nigella Express.” She’s also no stranger to judging competition series, having appeared on “Top Chef,” “MasterChef Australia,” “The Taste,” “MasterChef U.S.” and “My Kitchen Rules.”
English (US) ·