Dame Prue Leith shares advice for new Bake Off host Nigella Lawson and why she really decided to leave beloved show

Dame Prue Leith has shared her advice for the new host of the Great British Bake Off, Nigella Lawson.

The 86-year-old joined Paul Hollywood as a judge on the beloved baking show for nine years, joining the programme in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4.

Now, in a new interview with the Telegraph, Prue has revealed her advice for Nigella as she passes over the baton. 

She told the publication when asked what her pearls of wisdom are: “Just enjoy it, because you’ll never have a nicer job.”

Prue’s shock decision

During the conversation, Prue also shed more light on her reasons for departing the show, explaining that she didn’t want to “overstay her welcome” and came after “dithering” on the idea for two years.

Prue said: “I’ve never wanted to overstay my welcome in anything. Just like you don’t want to stay too long at a dinner party, I think it’s important to leave while you’re happy and enjoying it and people aren’t fed up with you.”

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The TV cook admitted that she has never watched an episode of the series because she “hardly ever” watches TV.

She added: “If I do it’ll be a travel programme, because my husband likes things involving people going to extraordinary places.”

Not slowing down

Despite leaving the programme, Prue has shown no signs of slowing down. Earlier this week, she opened London Fashion Week.

Strutting down the catwalk, Prue simply dazzled in an orange, environmentally friendly suit that formed part of eco-designers Vin + Omi’s show. 

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The two-piece was a very special ensemble, created in fabric made out of holly from King Charles’ private estate.

It was  the avant-garde designers’ fourth in their collaboration with King Charles as part of an ongoing project that involves recycling waste products from the monarch’s estates and fashioning them into clothing.