Prue Leith replaced by Andi Oliver on the Great British Menu

Prue Leith is stepping down as a judge on the BBC Two TV programme Great British Menu after 11 years and nearly 500 episodes.

She will be replaced by television presenter and cook Andi Oliver. Her fellow judges Matthew Fort and Oliver Peyton will return to take part in the 12th series of the programme.

Leith, who was presented with the Robyn Jones Lifetime Achievement award at the 2016 Shine Awards last month, told the BBC that she had judged and eaten "the very best in modern British cooking" during her time on the show.

"From the first Great British Menu for the Queen's 80th birthday to honouring those who fought on D-Day, I've been repeatedly amazed at the inventiveness and skill of the chefs."

Oliver has made regular appearances on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen and is a panellist on BBC Radio 4's The Kitchen Cabinet.

The final programme of the 11th series of the Great British Menu was broadcast on Friday, during which chefs Mark Abbott, Tommy Banks, Mark Froydenlund and Adam Reid prepared a banquet to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

At the Shine Awards, Leith, whose career has encompassed roles as a restaurateur, caterer, journalist, cookery writer, novelist, cookery school founder and TV star, was described as a "beacon for female operators the world over, who has inspired many women in hospitality to follow her lead".

Prue Leith, Chantelle Nicholson and Zuleika Fennell honoured at the 2016 Shine Awards >>

Prue Leith awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday honours >>