Dame Prue Leith has offered a concerning health update after stepping down from Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, according to recent reports.

It was revealed in January that the Cotswolds resident would depart from the popular baking competition after nine series and overseeing more than 400 challenges.

The 86-year-old has served as a judge on the programme alongside Paul Hollywood since 2017, when it transferred from the BBC to Channel 4, succeeding Henley resident Dame Mary.

Reports indicate Oxford University graduate Ms Lawson will take over the judging position, with the announcement made on Monday, January 26.

Dame Prue has now shared what sources describe as a worrying health update, with reports claiming she expressed concern about the risk of falling.

The 86-year-old mentioned she had noticed she was no longer as steady on her feet as she once was.

During filming, rather than judging cake, the production requested the judges dance around a field, which was very bumpy and uneven. While Noel Sullivan could leap over obstacles brilliantly and Paul Hollywood managed well, she suddenly realised she would likely fall over, which she felt would be extremely embarrassing.

She explained that she told them she did not want to participate, and the production team were understanding about it. This marked the first occasion she had to inform anyone she was unable to perform a particular task.