Cooking ‘royalty’ Prue is Mary Mk 2

TELEVISION cook Prue Leith is set to replace Mary Berry as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, according to reports.

The former Great British Menu judge will appear alongside Paul Hollywood when the hit show moves to Channel 4 later this year, The Sun reported.

Leith, 76, is reportedly seen as a ‘like for like’ replacement for Berry, who chose to stay with the BBC along with hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

A source told the newspaper: ‘Both are from similar backgrounds, so hopefully viewers will be accepting and give Prue a chance to win them over.

‘Following in Mary’s footsteps is a big challenge. But the producers are confident that Prue has all the attributes. In cookery circles she’s practically royalty.’

The South African-born author, campaigner and restaurateur stepped down as a judge on The Great British Menu in October after 10 years on the programme.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman said they will be announcing the revamped show’s line-up ‘in due course’.

Last month Berry, 81, was named best TV judge at the National Television Awards for The Great British Bake Off.

Author: Simon Garner