The Great Celebrity Bake Off made a triumphant return to our screens on Sunday, 16 March. The beloved spin-off series commenced with siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas, alongside couple Rosie and Chris Ramsey, showcasing their baking skills on the Channel 4 programme.
Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding were back to present the show, but there was a twist in the judging panel. Paul Hollywood continued his tenure as judge, however, Prue Leith was notably missing from her usual spot, with Caroline Waldegrave stepping in for her.
Curious fans flocked to social media to inquire about Prue’s absence, with many calling for her return to future Bake Off editions.
“Who’s this new prue? ! #GBBO,” questioned one viewer on Twitter, while another expressed: “I hope Prue is back for the main series later in the year #GBBO #SU2C.”
One understanding fan commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, another viewer couldn’t hide their disappointment: “no no no no im not liking this already where is our prue! ! ! ! ! ! #gbbo,” Similarly, another tweet read: “I hope Prue is back for the main series later in the year #GBBO #SU2C,” and yet another fan added: “I want prue back! ! #GBBO.”
Last year brought news that Prue Leith wouldn’t grace The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up To Cancer 2025 with her presence, but fans will be delighted to learn that she is set to return to The Great British Bake Off later this year, reports Wales Online.
A representative from Love Productions, the team behind the beloved Channel 4 series, confirmed: “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.”
Stepping into Prue’s shoes on the charity special is Caroline, a personal friend of Prue and the past co-owner and managing director of Leiths School of Food and Wine. Caroline brings her own culinary expertise to the table, having co-authored a number of cookery books with Prue, like Leiths Easy Dinner Parties and Leiths Cookery Bible.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off airs on Sundays on Channel 4 at 7.40pm