The beloved cooking show welcomes Nigella as Dame Prue Leith departs after nine years
Category: Arts & Culture
Nigella Lawson has officially joined the judging panel of *The Great British Bake Off*, marking a new chapter for the beloved Channel 4 series. The 66-year-old culinary expert debuted as a judge on September 22, 2026, alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Lawson's arrival has been met with widespread acclaim, as she brings a fresh perspective to the show.
Lawson, who became a household name with her debut cookbook *How To Eat* in 1998, has a rich history in television cooking shows, including *Nigella Bites* and *Nigella: At My Table*. Her extensive experience has made her a fitting addition to a series that has become a national treasure.
"Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it," Lawson expressed in a statement upon her appointment. She acknowledged the challenge of following in the footsteps of iconic judges like Prue Leith and Mary Berry, saying, "I’m bubbling with excitement" about the opportunity.
The transition comes as Dame Prue Leith officially announced her departure from *The Great British Bake Off* in January 2026 after nine years on the show. In her farewell statement, Leith expressed her gratitude for her time on the program, stating, "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, I have genuinely loved it... But now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!)." Leith has been a beloved figure in the tent, contributing to the show's charm and appeal.
Leith's decision to leave was influenced by her age and desire to pursue other interests, including spending more time in her garden. She admitted that the demands of filming during the summer made it challenging to enjoy a holiday, which played a role in her exit. "Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me," she said.
As Leith steps down, her legacy remains strong, with many fans and colleagues expressing their admiration for her contributions. Paul Hollywood, who remains as a judge, has described Leith as an integral part of the show's success.
In preparation for her new role, Lawson took the initiative to host separate bonding sessions with Hollywood, Hammond, and Fielding before the launch of the new series. She wanted to establish a rapport with her co-stars outside of the filming environment. "I decided to meet everyone properly before we started. I didn’t want the first time we hung out together to be on set," Lawson shared.
During these sessions, Lawson baked a cake for Fielding but humorously declined to do the same for Hollywood, calling the idea "madness." Instead, she offered him drinks and snacks. "Noel came round for tea and I did make him a cake. I love Noel,” she said, adding with a laugh, "He and I look like two ghouls first thing in the morning." Hollywood expressed his disappointment, wishing he had received a cake as well.
Lawson's interactions with Hammond were also notable, as they shared a lunch outing that solidified their camaraderie. "We have a real laugh together and talked about everything," Lawson remarked, highlighting the fun they had together.
As the new series kicked off, Lawson emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between professionalism and enjoyment. "As judges, we need to retain a modicum of decorum and dignity… we try, anyway," she stated.
The 17th series of *The Great British Bake Off* premiered on September 22, 2026, at 8 PM on Channel 4, featuring a lineup of 12 new bakers ready to showcase their talents. The opening episode, which lasted an hour and a half, kicked off with Cake Week, where contestants faced challenges involving stout cakes and self-portrait showstoppers. The series promises to deliver the same blend of competition and camaraderie that fans have come to love.
In addition to the main show, a new spin-off titled *Second Helpings*, hosted by Jon Richardson and Judi Love, also debuted on the same night. This companion series will feature celebrity guests discussing the week’s standout moments and drama from inside the tent.
As *The Great British Bake Off* continues its legacy, Lawson's fresh approach and dynamic with the existing team have already proven to resonate with audiences. The new series is set to air weekly on Tuesdays, culminating in the crowning of this year's Star Baker.
With the excitement surrounding Lawson's debut and the show's new format, fans are eagerly anticipating what this season will bring. As Lawson herself noted, "I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come." The next few weeks promise to be filled with delicious bakes, laughter, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.