Dame Prue Leith, the beloved judge of The Great British Bake Off, has become a household favorite since joining the show in 2017. But at 85, the culinary icon is facing some of the toughest battles of her life — and she’s not shying away from sharing the truth about aging, frailty, and making the most of her remaining years.
A National Treasure Since 2017
When Bake Off moved from the BBC to Channel 4, Prue stepped in to replace Dame Mary Berry, joining Paul Hollywood as co-judge. Nearly a decade later, she remains one of the most recognizable faces on British television. But behind the warmth and wit viewers see on screen, Prue has spoken candidly about the challenges that come with growing older.
“Age Stinks” — Prue’s Honest Confession
Earlier this year, Prue appeared on Loose Women and didn’t sugarcoat the realities of aging.
“Age stinks, come on. It takes me 10 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning. If I don’t do my exercises, I can’t move.”
She admitted that while old age comes with undeniable hardships, it has also given her a new perspective on life:
“You’re very conscious that this is nearly the end. You then decide that you’re going to make the most of it and have fun.”
Slowing Down — But Refusing to Stop
The beloved chef revealed that certain activities she once loved have become increasingly difficult, particularly gardening. Speaking to The Telegraph, she shared her frustration at no longer being as hands-on as she’d like:
“I like propagating because my back hurts and I can do it on a high stool. I’m not as hands-on as I’d like because I’m no longer able to be. I find it vaguely surprising I can’t do certain things any longer.”
Despite this, Prue still finds joy in her greenhouse, where she grows vibrant flowers that remind her of her South African childhood.
Managing Health — and Her Love of Food
Even with her aches and limitations, Prue remains determined to live well. Diet plays a huge part in that — though she admits it’s not always easy. With a laugh, she confessed that her biggest battles sometimes come at home, with her husband John Playfair tempting her with snacks she finds hard to resist.
“I get furious when John gives me things I know I shouldn’t be eating,” she admitted earlier this year.
Living With Joy in the Face of Time
While her health battles have forced her to slow down, Dame Prue Leith refuses to let aging rob her of joy. With her trademark humor and zest for life, she continues to embrace her career, her garden, and her time with John — determined to make the most of every moment.
As she put it best: old age may be “nearly the end,” but for Prue, it’s also the beginning of living more fully than ever before.
