Nigella Lawson joining The Great British Bake Off

She replaces Prue Leith who recently announced that she was stepping away from the show.

Channel 4 and Love Productions have today announced that Nigella Lawson will be joining The Great British Bake Off as the show’s new judge. Nigella’s expertise, empathy and humour are the perfect ingredients for the Bake Off tent.

Nigella joins the show following the departure of Prue Leith, who became one of the most loved figures on British TV screens over nine series.

On joining The Great British Bake Off, Nigella Lawson said "I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now! Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement."

"The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!"

To which Dame Prue Leith added "I’m thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off. She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions — and her croissants, cake and crumble."

And Channel 4's Chief Content Officer, Ian Katz, said "We’re incredibly excited about the marriage of two great British icons: Bake Off and Nigella. With Nigella joining the tent, Love Productions have created the dream team of British telly. Nigella brings an incomparable combination of warmth, expertise and sophistication to the tent, and this summer’s series will be as mouthwatering a prospect as her chocolate Guinness cake."

The Great British Bake Off is made by Love Productions, and their CEO, Ralph Lee, said "We are all so delighted at Love Productions to welcome Nigella to The Great British Bake Off. Nigella is one of the most influential and beloved voices in food, with a tremendous passion for baking and a deep connection with all audiences. Her warmth, wit and expertise make her a perfect fit for the tent and we feel very fortunate to have her join the Bake Off team."

The Great British Bake Off returns later this year on Channel 4