Prue Leith explained the difference that she noticed between British and American baking shows

If you are a fan of the Great British Bake Off (known as the Great British Baking Show in the U.S.), then you already know that Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are the iconic judges that help to bring the show to life. They give a sense of guidance to the bakers that really propels the series forward.

And you likely already know that they are both, the judges for the American version of the show, the Great American Baking Show. So it likely comes as no surprise that people want to know what the difference between American and British baking competitions is, according to Prue.

Thankfully the fine foodies over at Delish decided to ask Prue what she sees as the biggest difference between the U.S. and UK when it comes to their baking competitions.

If you watch baking competitions on TV, then you know that there really does tend to be a difference between shows like GBBO and a Food Network baking competition. Quite often, there is money on the line in the American shows which leads to some serious competition, as the bakers fight to win the prize. Sometimes that can mean a sense of every person for themselves in the kitchen, people not being that nice to each other, and even sometimes sabotage (I know that I have seen this happen where somebody has messed something up for another competitor).

What does Prue Leith have to say about US vs UK baking shows?

However, as Prue Leith explains, one of the reasons she was hesitant to become a judge on the Great American Baking Show was because of what she had witnessed in watching the American baking competitions. In talking about the difference between GBBO and American competitions, she pointed out that there is this rivalry between the bakers (and at least for us that makes it less homey and comforting). And part of that is because on many of the American shows they’re competing for money. Whereas over on GBBO, they aren’t competing for money. She points out that the bakers are competing for the Hollywood handshake or that cake stand that shows that they were the best baker in a season.

Check out exactly what Prue Leith said below:

And there is no denying that there is a big difference between GBBO and GABS. However, it feels like having Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging both shows means that even the American version feels more comforting and friendly than other competition shows of the same nature. Because that’s the one thing that we love the most about GBBO, the fact that these bakers are so friendly and so helpful and they are always rooting for each other. They aren’t hoping for the worst for their competition, they want everybody to win.

So we completely understand why Prue might not have wanted to be a judge on an American baking show. However, we love that she decided to do it anyway, because it really brings that cozy vibe that makes the show so special. Having both of our British judges, also judging the Americans, just feels right. It adds that warmth that so many baking competitions are missing.