Prue Leith rocked the Bake Off world on Wednesday when she annouced she was leaving the beloved baking series.
However, there are now rumours that an iconic British TV star is in the running to replace her.
So who might be joining Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Allison Hammond in the Bake Off Tent this summer?
Well, I’d love to tell you, but first I have to stop my meecro-wah-vay from beeping.
Yes, that’s right, allegedly the one and only Nigella Lawson is in the running to step into Prue’s brightly coloured shoes.
According to The Sun, Channel 4 is in talks with the TV chef, and a deal is supposedly imminent.
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‘Nigella’s recognised worldwide,’ an Insider told The Sun.
‘She’s got the cheeky banter down to a tee, with all her work laden with the fun innuendos and naughty patter that are synonymous with Bake Off.
‘Prue has been wonderful, but Nigella will be a sure-fire hit.
‘Contract discussions are in the final stages and, all being well, Nigella will be heating up the famous tent soon.’
Metro has reached out to Nigella and Channel 4 for comment.
Although not a trained chef, Nigella, 66, has enjoyed a successful career as a TV cook and restaurant critic known for her unique (and flirty) presenting style.
Most recently, she served as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, and she has her own show, My Kitchen Rules, which has been running since 2022.
The rumours that she’s joining Bake Off have delighted fans, with at least one on X claiming it’ll do wonders for the show’s viewing figures.
‘Dammit, they’re gonna get me back to watching Bake Off again, aren’t they?’ wrote @kfudgeyou.
While @chrisdecharris added: ‘Now you’re talking Ch 4 . Watch the ratings soar’
As for Prue? Well, she is looking forward to a well-deserved break after spending the last nine years on Bake Off.
‘Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years,’ she said in a statement. ‘I have genuinely loved it, and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.
‘But now feels like the right time to step back (I’m 86 for goodness sake!), there’s so much I’d like to do, not least spend summers enjoying my garden.
‘Whoever joins the team, I’m sure they’ll love it as much as I have. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.’
Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, Ian Katz, meanwhile, paid tribute to Prue’s hard work and dedication.
Would you like Nigella to present Bake Off?
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Meecro-wah-yay
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No-wah-vay
‘Prue Leith has been a joyous presence in the tent, pairing absolute culinary authority with great generosity and empathy for the bakers,’ he said.
‘We are grateful for her passion, her wit, her ineffable style, and all the summers she spent in the tent. She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers.’
He finished by saying that he looks forward to working with Prue on ‘new projects’.
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