Prue Leith is stepping away from one of British TV’s most cherished roles.

The long-serving judge has announced she is leaving ‘The Great British Bake Off,’, bringing an end to a nine-year run that has seen her become a firm fixture inside the famous white tent.

The news was shared directly with fans via Instagram, where the culinary icon confirmed her decision after judging more than 400 challenges on the Channel 4 series. She joined the show in 2017, replacing Mary Berry and sitting alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood.

Speaking about her departure, the 86-year-old wrote:

“‘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. There’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden.”

She also praised current hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, as well as the wider production team at Love Productions and Channel 4.

A replacement judge has yet to be announced, though former winners and contestants flooded the comments with heartfelt tributes, including messages from Rahul MandalandJasmine Mitchell.