The Celebrity Great British Bake Off has made its much-anticipated comeback to our television screens, but eagle-eyed viewers will notice a notable absence – judge Prue Leith is nowhere to be seen.
A star-studded lineup is set to grace the famous tent, aiming to wow Paul with their culinary creations as Channel 4’s beloved series returns. Hosted by the charismatic duo Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, the show launches at 7.40pm on Sunday (March 16).
Ready to rise to the occasion are celebrities including TV veterans Kate Garraway, Roman Kemp, Sarah Beeny, and Gloria Hunniford, alongside siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas.
Singer Self Esteem Rebecca Lucy Taylor and Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg will also compete to become Star Baker,. They’ll be whipping up treats alongside comics Adam Buxton, Phil Wang, Sophie Willan, Jamali Maddix, and Tommy Tiernan, all vying for the coveted title of Star Baker.
While Paul , Noel Fielding, and Alison Hammond return, there’s a fresh face among the judging panel: Caroline Waldegrave CBE. But the question on everyone’s lips: Why has Caroline Waldegrave taken up the apron on Celebrity Great British Bake Off, and what happened to Prue Leith?
Why is Prue Leith not on Celebrity Great British Bake Off?
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Prue Leith has hung up her judging hat on the Celebrity Great British Bake Off because she is keen on enjoying more leisure time.
The renowned 85-year-old connoisseur divulged: “It’s mainly because these things are filmed back to back.
“The whole way through the summer, so you start in April and you end at the end of August. Honestly, you get no time off. And, I’m getting a bit old and there’s places I want to go.”
Prue Leith has confirmed she will remain a judge on the flagship Great British Bake Off series, despite being succeeded by her close friend Caroline Waldegrave OBE in the celebrity version of the show.
Paul Hollywood and Caroline Waldegrave (Image: Mark Bourdillon)
Caroline, who co-owned and managed Leith’s School of Food and Wine with Prue, is no novice to television, having appeared on Chef School, Masterchef, and Tricks of the Trade, as well as authoring several cookbooks.
With The Great Celebrity Bake Off set to return this weekend, Lady Waldegrave shared her thoughts on stepping into Dame Prue Leith’s shoes as a judge. She confessed: “I was completely terrified.”
However, upon arrival at the set, she found a warm welcome: “Then, when I turned up, I went to the shepherd’s hut I was allotted and there were banners outside saying ‘Welcome!’ and flowers.”
She praised Love Productions and Paul for their kindness and friendliness, which helped her settle in. Lady Waldegrave continued: “[The] mood is very light – there’s a lot of laughter – and (co-hosts) Alison (Hammond) and Noel (Fielding) were so nice to me.”
“Particularly Alison. I mean, she’s so hugging that it was just magic.”
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer airs at 7.40pm on Sundays.