The 66-year-old TV cook replaced the South African and British cook, who announced earlier this year that she was leaving after nearly a decade in the iconic tent.
In an interview with Woman magazine, the 86-year-old said she felt a twinge when she saw her replacement on screen for the first time.
Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson on the new season of Great British Bake-Off
PA
“I thought, ‘Why did I leave? That was such a great job.’ But I'm glad I did.”
She called the role “the best job in television” and said that herself, Paul Hollywood, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding continue to remain great friends.
"I didn't give it up because I didn't like it. I loved it!”
Dame Prue Leith left the show last year after almost a decade
PA Wire
Dame Prue said she decided to leave due to the show’s demanding production schedule and a desire for more time with husband John Playfair.
She said: "I'm running out of time. There will come a time when I'm not able to travel.
“John and I want to do more while I still can. I left for the specific reason that if I didn't, I wouldn't get another European holiday.”
Dame Mary Berry has also heaped praise on Nigella Lawson
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Dame Prue has made her fondness for Lawson widely known. During an appearance on This Morning in August, the 86-year-old said: “I didn’t have to give her any tips, but I did tell her to just enjoy it because she’s so good. She was quite nervous.
“She’s so well qualified and knows exactly what she’s doing, and the audience love her. I saw her and Paul last week, and they’re getting on well. She’s nice, I’m glad it’s her.”
Speaking at Cheltenham Literature Festival, to promote her new book, the 91-year-old said that Lawson has brought “fresh life” and “glamour” to the series.
“I am delighted Nigella is there. She has got to keep control of a certain person. Paul [Hollywood] needs handling and he has this handshake, which keeps appearing.”