Prue Leith, the beloved judge from The Great British Bake Off, has opened up about her approach to aging and living life to the fullest as she reflects on her storied career and personal experiences at 84 years old. Known for her vibrant personality and culinary expertise, Leith shared her candid thoughts during recent interviews, highlighting how hitting her eighties has inspired her to live more recklessly and embrace opportunities.
Speaking to Bella magazine, Leith revealed, "Because I’m so near the end, I’m a bit more reckless now. What’s the worst thing can happen?" This shift in philosophy seems to be part of her broader outlook on life. Embracing spontaneity, she recounted how she was eager to explore experiences she might have previously turned down. "If I was about to try and get a job on Bake Off I probably wouldn't walk down a catwalk in Latex with goth make-up on, but now it's too late. If I want to do it and it looks like good fun, I just think, 'why not?'"
Leith certainly put her bold attitude to the test during London Fashion Week this past September. Swapping her usual flowery attire for something entirely different, she graced the catwalk for fashion designers Vin + Omi, wearing a skintight black latex outfit with corset-style lacing. Reflecting on the exhilarating experience, she expressed her initial concerns but quickly found comfort and joy as the supportive crowd cheered her on. "But in spite of all of it, I just loved it. The crowd could not have been kinder, whooping and hollering at the gallant old lady (84 and counting) giving it a go. I'm just such an egotist, lapping up the attention," Leith laughed.
Leith's presence on The Great British Bake Off marked a significant turning point for the beloved baking competition. After debuting on the show back in 2017, she stepped in for former judge Mary Berry, quickly capturing the hearts of fans with her charm, wisdom, and humor. Reflecting on her long tenure, Prue acknowledged the show's evolution over the years, saying, "While I won’t leave Bake Off just yet, I do think about it, as I know I’m getting ancient. I won’t be doing it forever."
This outlook on life is not just limited to her professional endeavors. Prue also discussed balancing her career with her family life. She is married to retired fashion designer John Playfair, whom she tied the knot with in 2016. They share a blended family, which includes her two children and grandchildren, leading to dynamic family gatherings filled with laughter and love. Leith plans to gather her family of 17 for a merry Christmas ski trip to France, emphasizing the importance of quality time with loved ones. “It will be incredibly hectic, but just brilliant,” she added with excitement.
Known for her culinary creations, Prue has remained active and engaged both on and off screen. Recently, she released her latest book, Life’s Too Short To Stuff A Mushroom, which showcases her zest for life and recipes alike. The book is filled with inspirations drawn from her rich experiences, aimed at encouraging others to embrace every moment they have.
Reflecting on her past, Prue shared some humorous moments from her culinary career, recalling how she learned not to take herself too seriously. "When I tried to cook for professionals, I really failed, and I realized laughter is often the best seasoning. Life’s too short not to find joy, and sharing food is often the best way to connect." After gaining fame from the baking show, Prue acknowledged the shift it brought to her lifestyle, leading her to take more opportunities to partake in ventures she wouldn’t have considered earlier.
Prue also hinted at considering her legacy. She admitted, “There are things I will leave behind, be it through my books or my time on Bake Off. I want to be remembered not just as the lady who judged cakes, but as someone who embraced every chance to bake, laugh, and love.” This sentiment resonates deeply with audiences who have followed her throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Leith has also been lauded for her standing on food policy and advocacy, having championed topics such as agriculture and sustainability. On this front, she remains passionate about influencing change through her platform. Despite the episode of fandom, chapters of her life continue to be influenced by the principles she holds dear, from supporting local food movements to raising awareness about nurturing the environment through culinary practices.
While she boldly embraces new experiences and considers her legacy, Prue maintains her unwavering sense of humor. She joked about the peculiarities of her fashion choices, “I just get dressed, well, barely dressed, if it entertains me, it still excites me.” This playful attitude permeates all aspects of her life, encouraging others to celebrate their unique journeys, regardless of age.
With her intuitive spirit and zest for fun, Prue Leith exemplifies the adage: it's never too late to try something new. Through each new challenge, whether strutting down the runway or sharing laughter over baked treats, she reminds us all to savor life’s sweetness and not shy away from embracing the unexpected.
Prue Leith's candid reflections on aging and her commitment to living life to the fullest bring forth wise reminders for people of all ages — to find joy, embrace change, and never hesitate to go for what seems fun. She epitomizes how life can be celebratory no matter the age, inspiring those around her to cultivate their own recklessness as they navigate the path laid before them.
