When Prue Leith announced her departure from Bake Off after nine years as judge, there were two big questions on everyone’s lips: Who would replace her, and why did she leave?
We now know the answer to the former, with Nigella Lawson quickly being announced as the person to take over the judging baton.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)
While she’s happy to reclaim her summers, there are still things Prue will miss about appearing on the enduring baking show.
Mainly, she doesn’t want to let go of the recognition it brings her. “I’ll miss the degree of attention bestowed by Bake Off,” she shares, adding, “I’m such an egotist.”
“I love it when people ask me for a selfie,” Prue continues, revealing, “It has been wonderful being treated like a VIP.”
Unsurprisingly, there will always be interest into whether Prue left the series because of any conflict with her co-stars.
However, when sharing what she really thinks of Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, Prue refers to them all as “truly great friends.”
“I’ll miss Paul’s teasing,” she says, and talking about Alison, she adds, “Alison Hammond in the flesh is exactly the same as Alison on screen: Unstoppable, loving, hilarious.”
Prue describes Noel as her “hero,” and somebody who is “funny, multitalented, slightly crazy.”
She hopes to continue working on Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, but is taking a moment to “reorganise” her life, concluding that whatever happens now, “I’d like to work in the winter and play in the summer.”
