Hot favourite Leith set to replace Berry on Bake Off
TELEVISION cook Prue Leith is to take over from Mary Berry as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, according to reports.
The former Great British Menu judge will appear alongside Paul Hollywood when the hit show moves to Channel 4 later this year, The Sun reported.
Leith (76) is reportedly seen as a “like for like” replacement for Berry, who chose to stay with the BBC along with hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
A source told the newspaper: “Both are from similar backgrounds, so hopefully viewers will be accepting and give Prue a chance to win them over. Following in Mary’s footsteps is a big challenge. But the producers are confident that Prue has all the attributes. In cookery circles she’s practically royalty.”
The South African-born author, campaigner and restaurateur stepped down as a judge on The Great British Menu in October after 10 years on the programme.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said they will be announcing the revamped show’s line-up “in due course”.
Last month Berry (81) was named best TV judge at the National Television Awards for The Great British Bake Off.
Food critic Prue admitted that she had not watched Bake Off, the biggest show on TV last year, “that much” but that she is a fan.
“I was on The Great British Menu for 11 years and the reason I stayed for so long is the company was so nice. The company has to be delightful because you’ve got to spend so much time with them. And I’m sure Love Productions (the makers of the Great British Bake Off ) will be like that. They’re a nice company,” she said.
Asked if she was a fan of the show, she said: “Yeah, I have... I mean I haven’t watched it that much but it’s been going for what, eight years or something, so I’ve certainly seen a lot of it and it has a lovely atmosphere.
“I don’t like cookery shows which are all about humiliating people. What’s so good is that the contestants, however disappointed they are, they always know that it is fair.
“Paul is very fair. He’s lovely.”