Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding resumed their roles as the beloved hosts (Image: PA)
The made a sensational return to our screens on Sunday, 16 March. Telly enthusiasts were treated to the first instalment of the new series, which featured sibling duo Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, as well as celebrity couple Rosie and Chris Ramsey, donning their baking gloves on
and Noel Fielding resumed their roles as the beloved hosts. However, the judging panel had a surprise twist. While Paul maintained his position, Prue Leith was nowhere to be seen, with culinary expert Caroline Waldegrave stepping into the fray for this special series. Social media was abuzz with comments from puzzled viewers missing Prue Leith’s presence, with many hoping she would return for the main series.
Confusion among fans was evident, with tweets like, “Who’s this new Prue? ! #GBBO,” and others expressing hopefulness: “I hope Prue is back for the main series later in the year #GBBO #SU2C.”
Some voiced understanding of Prue’s decision to skip the celebrity editions, with one comment citing her age and the demanding schedule: “Totally understand Prue’s decision to step down from the celebrity specials of this show to focus on the main one in the summer. She is 84 and it is a gruelling schedule. Absolutely understandable and a great decision imo #GBBO #SU2C,” according to Wales Online, reports The Mirror.
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Fans were left baffled when they realised Prue Leith had been replaced (Image: Channel 4)
Calls for Prue’s return continued with tweets like: “no no no no im not liking this already where is our prue! ! ! ! ! ! #gbbo,” and “I hope Prue is back for the main series later in the year #GBBO #SU2C.”
Another fan eagerly commented: “I want prue back! ! #GBBO.”
Prue Leith will be back on screens for the forthcoming series (Image: Channel 4)
Devotees of The Great British Bake Off can rest easy with the assurance that Prue Leith will be back on screens for the forthcoming series, having skipped her usual spot on The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer 2025.
Confirming her return, a representative from Love Productions, the brains behind the beloved Channel 4 hit, announced: “Prue will be joining Paul as usual to judge The Great British Bake Off, but will be stepping back from The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.”
The celebrity charity version will see Caroline, a dear friend and past business ally of Prue’s, stepping in. Caroline, who helped launch Leiths School of Food and Wine alongside Prue and has co-written culinary guides such as Leiths Easy Dinner Parties and Leiths Cookery Bible, will assume the role of judge.