The Great British Bake Off Judges Who Left The Show: Where Are They Now?

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"The Great British Bake Off" is nothing short of television royalty — running for 17 seasons since landing on British television in 2010. The reality competition has inspired bakers on both sides of the pond, garnered a huge, devoted fan base, spawned the creation of various spin-offs, and evolved from a humble baking show into a bona fide institution. Its format is simple: amateur bakers compete in a series of challenges assessed by a pair of judges known for their witty off-hand remarks, on-air banter, and decades of culinary expertise. Bake Off, with all its awkward moments and occasional kitchen drama, is one of the heavyweights of British TV with a viewership of millions — so why did veteran judges Mary Berry and Prue Leith leave, and what has happened to them since their departures?

Unlike other reality show casts, turnover has been relatively slow. English baking legend Paul Hollywood has stayed on as a judge since the beginning. Culinary icon Mary Berry, who was also an original judge, departed in 2016. Michelin-starred restaurateur and food writer Prue Leith joined the tent the following year and announced her resignation in 2026 (Nigella Lawson would sign on to replace her). While both may have left "The Great British Bake Off," neither has disappeared from public life. Here, we delve further into what is occupying the former judges' day-to-day.

Dame Mary Berry is one of the most recognizable faces of "The Great British Bake Off," with a career in cookery writing and broadcasting that stretches back to the 1960s. Aside from penning over 80 cookbooks, she was introduced to a new wave of viewers upon securing a judging spot on "The Great British Bake Off," which she held from 2010 to 2016. Berry's decision to leave the show coincided with the show's departure from BBC Two to Channel 4, and it seems she's remained loyal to the BBC through and through.

When Bake Off's controversial move was announced in September 2016, Berry voiced her decision not to follow its footsteps – a choice also made by hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. "What a privilege and honor it has been to be part of seven years of magic in a tent," she expressed in a statement on her official website, signing off with, "Farewell to soggy bottoms." While there were rumors that Berry, aged 81 at the time, was planning for retirement, her agent denied the claims, and Berry's subsequent steps proved she put her money where her mouth is.

For her birthday in 2025, the BBC gifted her a six-episode series, "Mary at 90," to celebrate her life and legacy, and for which Berry provided new recipes. Two more books have also been released in 2026: "My Gardening Life," focusing on her green thumb, and "Mary All in One," scheduled for publication in October. The ultimate cherry on top came in May 2026, when BAFTA awarded her the BAFTA Fellowship, its highest honor, for her longstanding contributions to television.

Dame Prue Leith, a prolific restaurateur and cookery writer born in South Africa, became part of the Bake Off crew in 2017, filling Mary Berry's position as co-judge alongside Paul Hollywood. Despite Leith claiming not to be a baker, she deftly judged a total of 90 episodes spanning Seasons 8 to 16  before stepping back in 2026. In contrast to Berry, she made it clear that her age was, in fact, the reason. "I'm 86 for goodness sake!" she quipped in an Instagram announcement, adding that she wanted to take advantage of her senior years and spend her summers unwinding in the garden. Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson would ultimately take her place.

All this notwithstanding, Leith has done anything but retire, and is still a lively presence in public life. Not only is she active on TV, making her ITV1 channel series "Prue Leith's Cotswold's Kitchen," which has reached Season 3, but she's also been busy typing. In February 2026, Leith published her memoir "Being Old ... and Learning to Love It!" The book reflects on Leith grappling with the questions of retirement and aging, as well as looking back on her relationships and career. It became a hit with the public and made the Sunday Times bestseller list within a month. So much for being 86.