Dame Prue Leith disclosed that former Great British Bake Off judge Dame Mary Berry delivered a four-word warning about collaborating with Paul Hollywood. Prue, who has today confirmed she is departing from the programme, reveals Mary cautioned her "he doesn't need you".

Mary was paired with fellow baker Paul Hollywood in 2010 for a new BBC project called The Great British Bake Off. During a series of captivating challenges, Dame Mary alongside Paul was tasked with judging the participants' creations as they crafted an array of baked delights.

Nevertheless, after a successful six-year stint on Bake Off, Mary chose to quit the programme as a gesture of allegiance to the BBC, following news of the show's transfer to Channel 4.

It was later confirmed that Prue would take over the vacant position, whilst Paul Hollywood continued in his established role as judge of the cherished series, reports Gloucestershire Live.

In a recent appearance on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Prue looked back on that pivotal moment in her career when she telephoned Dame Mary to discover what awaited her in the months ahead.

Prue revealed details about a conversation she held with seasoned baker Mary after accepting the Bake Off position, explaining: "I have known Mary for many, many years, we're not close friends but we do like each other.

"When I got the job that she had given up on Bake Off, I rang her up to ask her whether Paul Hollywood was workable with, and I thought, she had worked with him for eight years by then, so I knew she would tell me the truth."

She continued: "She was very interesting, she said 'do you know what? He is so good and he is very good at his job and he knows baking backwards, he's a lovely guy and very friendly and easy to work with'."

Additionally, she disclosed what Mary had cautioned her about working alongside Paul: "'But, he knows so much and he's so knowledgeable, he doesn't need you at all. You have to just hold your own and push yourself in because he'll just do the show without you'."

In an announcement on Instagram this afternoon, Prue confirmed she was departing from the programme. This follows her absence from the 2024 celebrity edition, with close friend Lady Caroline Waldegrave judging beside Paul Hollywood.

Throughout her tenure on the programme, Prue has collaborated with current hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, as well as former presenters Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas.

She said: "Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for the last nine years, 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."

She continued: "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 paid tribute to Prue. He continued: "She leaves an indelible mark on the show and all its bakers. We will miss her wry, gentle judgement but look forward to working with her on new projects."