Prue Leith confirmed as Great British Bake-Off judge
Entrepreneur Prue Leith has been confirmed as the judge joining Paul Hollywood on Channel 4's Great British Bake-Off, as well as presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding.
The show, which is produced by Love Productions and pits amateur bakers against each other in a competition, was acquired by Channel 4 for £75m in September last year but saw the departure of judge Mary Berry and presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as a result.
Leith's career has encompassed roles as a restaurateur, caterer, journalist, cookery writer, novelist, cookery school founder and TV star. She was presented with the Robyn Jones Lifetime Achievement award at the Shine Awards last year, recognising her contributions to the hospitality industry.
Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt said "The Great British Bake Off will have a uniquely Channel 4 take when it airs this autumn. Paul and Prue have huge amounts of expertise and warmth. I'm looking forward to seeing them putting our great new bunch of amateur bakers through their paces. Sandi and Noel bring a fresh wit and quirkiness to the tent. It's just the sort of innovative lineup audiences expect from Channel 4."
Creator and executive producer for Love Productions Richard McKerrow said: "We are honoured to have the esteemed Prue Leith join Paul as judge on GBBO and know that Sandi and Noel will bring plenty of fun and warmth to the tent."
Hollywood said: "I could not be more delighted by who will be joining me on the show. Prue is a hugely respected culinary legend and Sandi and Noel are warm and utterly hilarious."
Toksvig said it was "an extraordinary honour", while Fielding added: "GBBO is one of my favourite shows. I've always loved brightly coloured cakes and Sandi Toksvig so this is a dream come true for me."
Prue Leith replaced by Andi Oliver on the Great British Menu >>
Prue Leith, Chantelle Nicholson and Zuleika Fennell honoured at the 2016 Shine Awards >>
BBC gives Mary Berry new food show after losing Great British Bake Off >>
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