Dame Prue Leith, the beloved 85-year-old judge from The Great British Bake Off, has openly reflected on her life and the time she wishes to cherish with her husband, John Playfair. The couple, who married in 2016, have shared their lives with the public through their ITV series, Cotswold Kitchen, which has garnered attention and affection from fans.
During a heartfelt conversation on The Travel Diaries podcast with Holly Rubenstein, Prue candidly shared her thoughts about aging and the importance of making the most of the time she has left. "I haven't got much longer, I'm 85, I want to spend as much time as I can with him," she expressed, highlighting the deep bond she shares with John.
Prue's life has been marked by both happiness and sorrow. She lost her first husband, Rayne Kruger, in 2002, and has since found joy with John, a retired fashion designer. Reflecting on her current state of happiness, she stated, "I eat well, I sleep well, and I guess I love well. I'm very happy. I think if you're happy, you just do have more energy." This sentiment resonates with many, as she emphasizes the importance of positivity in life.
The couple's relationship is not just about love; it's also about partnership. Prue described how John contributes to their daily life, often taking on tasks like cutting hedges and maintaining the garden. "He’s always cutting the hedges or doing the verges or on a tractor or something. And he’s so much himself. There’s no point giving him a script or anything. He’s like me – just asks what questions he wants to ask," she said.
As she navigates her successful career, which includes her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, Prue also spoke about the challenges of balancing work and personal life. She mentioned her upcoming trip to New York to promote the American baking show, revealing that her agent insists she brings John along to help carry her bags. "If we are filming abroad, or like next week, we're going to New York, because I've got to publicise the American baking show, then I'm now old enough for my agent to say 'I'm sorry, but she has to ring her husband, because she's 85, she needs someone to carry the bags'," she explained.
Prue's charm and wit shine through as she discusses her husband's newfound celebrity status. After starring together in Cotswold Kitchen, John has become a recognizable figure, sometimes overshadowing Prue herself. She humorously recounted a supermarket encounter where a cashier recognized John but not her. "We were in the checkout at the supermarket the other day and the girl on the till recognised John. She said, ‘Oh you’re the man on Cotswold Kitchen. I love that show. You’re wonderful! You’re so funny!’ and blah, blah, blah. And I’m stood there packing the bags and she hasn’t a clue who I am!"
Despite the lighthearted moments, Prue is acutely aware of the passage of time and the physical challenges that come with aging. She recently shared her thoughts on aging with the panel of Loose Women, stating, "Old age stinks. It takes me 10 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning. If I don’t do the exercises I can’t move. There’s all sorts of things that are wrong with old age." This candidness resonates with many, as she navigates the complexities of growing older.
Prue's illustrious culinary career began at the age of 20 when she enrolled at the Cordon Bleu Cookery School. By 29, she had opened her own restaurant, Leith's, in Notting Hill, which quickly became a local icon. Her journey in the culinary world eventually led her to television, where she became a household name after joining The Great British Bake Off in 2017, succeeding Dame Mary Berry.
Although she has decided to take a step back from the celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off, Prue reassured fans that she will continue to be part of the main series. "I honestly don’t know [about my future on the show]," she said. "We don’t often get a new contract until we’re actually filming a new series. When I stop doing it, I want to jump rather than be pushed. I’ll have to stop some time but right now I’m very happy."
Prue's commitment to her work remains strong, but she is also prioritizing her personal life and relationships. "I have had sadness in my life, of course I have. I’ve lost both my brothers and my younger brother was my best friend. But death happens," she reflected, showing her resilience in the face of loss.
As she continues to inspire audiences with her culinary talents and heartfelt stories, Prue Leith serves as a reminder of the importance of love, happiness, and cherishing the moments that matter most. With her husband by her side, she is determined to make the most of the time they have together, leaving a legacy of warmth and joy for her fans and family alike.
