Prue Leith Returns to The Great American Baking Show as Judge
Prue Leith has made her highly-anticipated return as a judge on the The Great American Baking Show, now in its third season, which premiered on April 11, 2025, exclusively on Roku. Partnering once more with renowned baker Paul Hollywood, the duo is set to evaluate a fresh lineup of talented contestants vying for the prestigious title of America’s Best Amateur Baker.
Insights from Prue Leith on Judging Philosophy
In a recent interview with FoodSided published on April 12, Prue shared intriguing insights about a unique judging rule on the show. While viewers often focus on the contestants’ baking processes, Prue emphasized that the judges’ primary interest lies solely in the final outcome of each bake.
“I think from a television point of view, the most fascinating thing is watching how they do it, how they get there. From my point of view, we are only interested in the final product. We do not care how they get there,” she said in the interview.
This perspective highlights the show’s focus on the end results, allowing contestants to express their creativity without the pressure of being judged on their kitchen chaos.
Reflections on Contestants and Team Spirit
Prue also noted that both she and Paul often revisit episodes of the season, sometimes with feelings of “absolute horror”upon witnessing the culinary chaos that transpires. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that a messy kitchen isn’t a concern during judging—though she would prefer tidiness in a professional setting.
“All we can do is judge the final outcome, that perfect cake. I might not appreciate the messy cook if I was interviewing him for a job, but that is not the point,” she explained.
During her conversation with FoodSided, Prue reflected on the connection among contestants, pinpointing the camaraderie that develops throughout the competition. She observed that the environment of the show fosters teamwork over rivalry, with contestants quickly bonding and even supporting one another during challenging tasks.
“People see the joy that bakers get from what they are doing. There is such a nice spirit in the baking show. They bond very quickly and there are moments where they are a team rather than competitors. I think those moments are very inspiring,” she added.
The Dynamic between Prue and Paul Hollywood
The 85-year-old restaurateur also spoke on the dynamic between herself and fellow judge Paul Hollywood. She acknowledged the mutual respect they share, commending Paul’s extensive baking knowledge and his dedication to inspiring others to embrace the culinary arts.
“We both respect each other a lot. There is no doubt that Paul is the most knowledgeable and best baker I have ever met. He is keen on getting other people to enjoy baking. He wanted me as a fellow judge because he wanted someone who knew what they were talking about,” Prue commented.
Availability of Season 3
The latest season of The Great American Baking Show promises to be entertaining, showcasing not only baking skills but also the touching moments between contestants. Episodes of season 3 are readily available for streaming on Roku, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the delightful world of amateur baking.