8 hours ago
Nigella Lawson Named New Judge on 'The Great British Bake Off,' Succeeding Prue Leith
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Channel 4 and Love Productions announced on January 26, 2026, that Nigella Lawson will join The Great British Bake Off as its new judge, replacing Prue Leith after her nine-year stint on the popular baking competition.
Lawson, a 66-year-old British cookbook author and television personality, will co-judge alongside longtime bread expert Paul Hollywood when the show returns later in 2026. The announcement was shared via a joint Instagram post and an official statement from Channel 4, highlighting Lawson's "expertise, empathy and humour" as ideal for the Bake Off tent.
In her statement, Lawson described the role as "daunting" yet exciting, noting the legacy of predecessors Prue Leith and Mary Berry, whom she called "great dames both." "The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it," she said. She added, “I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
Dame Prue Leith, who is 86, announced her departure last week, citing a desire to step back after nine fulfilling years and pursue personal interests like gardening. Leith praised Lawson as "sassy, fun and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble." During her time on the show, which began in 2017 after the series moved from BBC to Channel 4, Leith became known for her preference for boozy bakes and vibrant fashion.
Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz welcomed the pairing of Bake Off with Lawson, describing it as "the dream team of British telly" and praising her warmth, expertise, and sophistication. Love Productions CEO Ralph Lee echoed this, calling Lawson "one of the most influential and beloved voices in food" with a passion for baking that connects with audiences.
Lawson brings a storied career to the tent, having started as a journalist and restaurant critic before authoring bestsellers like 1998's How to Eat and hosting shows such as Nigella Bites, Nigella Express, and Nigella Kitchen on Channel 4. She has judged on programs including The Taste, Iron Chef America, and MasterChef Australia, and released her most recent book, Cook, Eat, Repeat, in 2020. Daughter of former UK Chancellor Nigel Lawson, she studied at Oxford University and is celebrated in the UK for her approachable, sensual style of presenting food.
The Great British Bake Off, which premiered on BBC in 2010, has been a Channel 4 staple since 2017 and airs internationally, including on TVNZ+ in New Zealand and as The Great British Baking Show in the US. The series gained prominence during its 11th season, filmed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the announcement has sparked widespread excitement among fans for its continuity of culinary expertise, no specific LGBTQ+ community responses or perspectives have been documented in initial coverage from major outlets. The show's inclusive tent environment has historically welcomed diverse contestants, including transgender people and others from the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of shared creativity in baking challenges. Lawson's empathetic judging style, emphasized in official statements, aligns with the program's reputation for warmth and supportiveness toward all participants.
