Dame Prue Leith has revealed she decided to leave the Great British Bake Off out of 'a desire to work less and play more'. Speaking to The Spectator, she said: 'I have been dithering for years about when to stop judging The Great British Bake Off. Nigella previously admitted being daunted by the big shoes she had to fill, following two 'great dames' in Prue and Mary. '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.' Following the announcement that Nigella was coming onboard the show, Prue wrote on Instagram: 'I was so hoping it would be Nigella!