Speculation has been rife since much-loved Mary, 81, quit the baking show after its controversial move from the BBC to Channel 4.
Now restauranteur and cookery writer, 76-year-old Prue, is set to be her replacement working alongside Paul Hollywood who remained committed to the programme.
Bosses are said to be hoping viewers will warm up to the South African chef thanks to her similarities with Mary.
“In cookery circles, she’s practically royalty,” a source told The Sun.
The insider believed they see Prue as a “like for like” replacement and will be the perfect pick when it switches channels.
The source continued: “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.”
The acclaimed food writer would be the same aged as Mary was when the programme first began in 2010.
She has appeared regularly on television and was a judge on BBC’s The Great British Menu where Mary was also once a guest.
The mother-of-two is famed for running a Michelin-starred restaurant and and founded a cookery college Leith’s School of Food and Wine in 1975.
She is now the Chancellor of the Queen Margaret University and is known for her commitment in the founding and running of many charities which are mostly to do with food.
It had previously been reported that The Great British Bake off could be back on screens this year but the revamped version will also be without presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Express.co.uk has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
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