Competition Baking

For fans of The Great British Baking Show, you may have already heard that one of the judges, Prue Leith, is stepping down. Retiring after nine years. She’s 86. 

Eighty-six!

How many people can say they have worked into their mid-80s? Granted being a judge on the show is not a full-time, 9-to-5, year-round job. However, when filming takes place, it is a demanding job nonetheless – with sometimes 16 hour days. I’m in my mid-60’s and working a 16-hour day would be pretty tiring for me. 

Although, I’ll admit that a 16-hour day may not be so bad given the perks of the show. Lots of tasty perks!

I love watching Prue Leith, a colorful character on the show juxtaposed against the very serious Paul Hollywood. She’s known for loving boozy sweets, vibrant fashion choices and very colorful glasses that match her outfits.

But what I really love about watching the show is the way the contestants support one another—cheering each other on, celebrating one another’s wins, and appearing genuinely happy when someone earns Star Baker or takes home the title after ten long (and very messy and stressful) weekends.

There’s a true sense of friendship and community among the competitors, and it shows again and again. When one baker finishes early and another is racing the clock, someone inevitably swoops in to help. When a bake doesn’t go so well, a fellow contestant is quick with a kind word or a consoling hug. When someone has to leave the tent at the end of an episode, the rest gather around with comforting words and more than a few shared tears. And then there’s the end-of-season montage—photos of the contestants after the competition showing trips taken together, visits made, friendships maintained. These people don’t just exchange hours of cooking in the tent together; they exchange phone numbers and become great friends long after the camera stops filming.

I find that remarkable. After all, they are competing against one another every weekend for ten weeks. So why isn’t there more drama? 

Perhaps it has something to do with the prize—or lack thereof. The winner doesn’t walk away with a life-changing check, but rather a bouquet of flowers, a glass cake stand, and bragging rights. Without a massive payout dangling in front of them, the bakers seem free to simply enjoy the experience of being in the tent, sharing their love of cooking with one another.

Or maybe it’s the culture of the show itself—designed to be joyful, encouraging, and rooted in learning. The judges are accomplished, generous with their expertise and are there to help the home bakers learn and grow their skills. The tips and tricks are shared not only with the contestants, but with the viewers. Or maybe it’s the work of expert editors, only show clips that espouse the culture they wish to portray.

Whatever the reason, it’s a breath of fresh air to watch a competition show that’s full of warmth, kindness, and genuine camaraderie—among contestants, hosts, and judges alike. 

It’s definitely a feel-good show and while I’ll be sad to see Prue leave the tent, I’m sure the next judge chosen will be equally accomplished. Whoever that turns out to be, one thing is certain: the contestants will be interesting to watch, the bakes will be challenging, and the competition will remain refreshingly civilized.

Here’s to the upcoming Season 17!

P.S. Do you know that in the U.K. where the show is filmed, it’s called the Great British Bake Off? The name was changed to the Great British Baking Show in the U.S. so as not to compete with Pillsbury’s trademark, Bake Off.