[Denver]

COOKERY queen Mary Berry as a judge on The Great British Bake Off.

Restaurateur, writer and food campaigner Prue, 76, will join Paul Hollywood when the country’s most pop*ular show moves to *Channel 4 this year.

A source said: “In cookery circles, she’s practically royalty”.

TV’s Bake Off bosses see the veteran chef as a “like for like” replacement for Mary Berry.

They believe she is a perfect pick to maintain the spirit of the show as it switches channels.

Channel 4 are still looking for presenters after Mel and Sue quit along with Mary
And they hope viewers will instantly warm to Prue, 76, thanks to her similarities to much-loved Mary.

The acclaimed food writer and restaurateur is the age Mary was when the baking show was launched in 2010.

A source said: “Both are from similar backgrounds, so hopefully viewers will be accepting and give Prue a chance to win them over.

“Following in Mary’s footsteps is a big challenge.

“But the producers are confident that Prue has all the attributes.

Prue will join Paul Hollywood, 50, on the country’s most popular show later this year when it moves from the BBC to Channel 4.

Paul Hollywood decided to stay on as judge after Channel 4 move
South Africa-born Prue has appeared regularly on television, including as a judge on BBC’s The Great British Menu — where Mary, 81, has appeared as a guest.

The mother of two is also a successful novelist and newspaper columnist.

She ran a Michelin-starred restaurant and in 1975 founded cookery college Leith’s School of Food and Wine.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...tish-bake-off/