A past champion of the Great British Bake Off has spoken out about Dame Prue Leith’s exit from the Channel 4 programme.
It was revealed in January that Dame Prue, who resides in the Cotswolds, would conclude her tenure on the baking competition after nine series and assessing more than 400 challenges.
The 86-year-old has served as a judge on the hit show alongside Paul Hollywood since 2017, when the programme transferred from the BBC to Channel 4, taking over from Henley-dwelling Dame Mary.
Oxford University-educated Ms Lawson was then named on Monday, January 26 as Dame Prue’s successor on the Bake Off.
Former Bake Off victor Matty Edgell, who claimed the title in 2023, has now offered insight into Dame Prue, describing her as the good cop of the marquee.
During a conversation with Lottoland while the 2026 Celebrity Great British Bake Off was underway, the former contestant discussed his encounters with the judge during his time competing.
He described her as lovely, explaining she reminded him of how he imagines his grandmother would be in the way she communicates. He noted this was likely the highest praise he could offer.
He observed that even during criticism, her intent was visible in her expression. She was simply performing her role rather than attempting to undermine contestants.
The TV personality pointed out that Dame Prue genuinely hopes for competitors’ success and would never deceive them. When sampling what contestants had produced at the conclusion of each challenge, viewers could consistently perceive the same observations as the judges.
When contrasting Paul Hollywood with Dame Prue, Mr Edgell noted that Paul could certainly deliver harsher feedback.
He explained the dynamic was unmistakably a case of one being more sympathetic while the other was harsher, and he was well aware of which judge fulfilled which role.
He also disclosed that he discovered how to win Dame Prue over by incorporating spirits into his creations.
Towards the latter stages of the contest, when facing elimination, he began adding alcohol to all his bakes, though he normally does not cook with spirits.
Regarding speculation that Dame Prue might join Bake Off America, Mr Edgell suggested she would handle the move expertly.
He expressed confidence that should she join the American version, she would adapt wonderfully. Her background provided her with ideal preparation, and he believed she would relish the opportunity to experience a different nation and approach.
Nigella Lawson will assume Dame Prue’s position as judge alongside Paul Hollywood when the Great British Bake Off comes back to Channel 4 later this year.