Former The Great British Bake Off judges Dame Mary Berry and Dame Prue Leith have maintained exceptionally active careers in broadcasting, publishing, and live events following their departures from the hit television competition. Berry departed the series in 2016 during its network switch from BBC Two to Channel 4. Leith stepped down from the main judging panel in 2026 after judging over 400 challenges across nine series.
Despite leaving the famous white tent behind, neither culinary icon has slowed down. Both veteran broadcasters continue to shape British food culture through new books, television series, and public appearances. These efforts culminate in a highly anticipated joint appearance at the upcoming Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Mary Berry’s Post-Bake Off Success on the BBC
Dame Mary Berry served as an original judge on the baking competition from 2010 to 2016. She chose to remain with the BBC when the program moved to Channel 4. Her loyalty to the public broadcaster has yielded a steady stream of television projects and bestselling publications.
To celebrate her legacy and milestone birthday, the BBC broadcasted a special six-episode series titled Mary at 90. The show features brand-new recipes and a look back at her illustrious career. In May 2026, Berry received the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the British Academy of Television and Film Arts, in recognition of her longstanding contributions to television and culinary arts.
Beyond television, Berry continues to share her extensive knowledge through print. She published My Gardening Life, which focuses on her passion for horticulture. Another comprehensive cookbook, titled Mary All in One, is scheduled for release in October.
Prue Leith Embraces Retirement and New Media Ventures
South African-born restaurateur and food writer Dame Prue Leith joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017 to fill the vacancy left by Berry. She ultimately judged 90 episodes spanning Seasons 8 through 16 alongside longtime judge Paul Hollywood. In early 2026, Leith announced her departure via Instagram. She lightheartedly cited her age of 86 as the primary reason for stepping back to enjoy her summers in the garden.
Far from entering quiet retirement, Leith remains a prominent fixture on television screens. Her ITV1 series, Prue Leith’s Cotswolds Kitchen, has successfully reached its third season. Additionally, she published her memoir, Being Old … and Learning to Love It!, in February 2026. The book quickly climbed to the Sunday Times bestseller list within its first month of release.
Reunion at the 2026 Cheltenham Literature Festival
The culinary legends are set to cross paths publicly at the prestigious Cheltenham Literature Festival in Gloucestershire this October. Organizers confirmed that both Berry and Leith will be among the 500 authors, celebrities, and public figures featured in the ten-day cultural event.
Leith will participate in a panel discussion alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and author Kathy Lette to explore the theme of growing old disgracefully. Meanwhile, Berry will team up with comedian and former Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc. They will discuss Berry’s lifelong passion for gardening, sharing seasonal advice, personal anecdotes, and photography from her home.
Although the tent has seen changes over the years-including the arrival of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson to succeed Leith on the panel-the enduring influence of Mary Berry and Prue Leith proves that their contributions to British entertainment extend far beyond a single baking competition.
