In an exclusive revelation, departing Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has candidly relived a dramatic "utter fiasco" on icy ski slopes, alongside sharing her refreshingly unconventional approach to ageing, as she confirms her exit from the beloved Channel 4 baking show after nearly ten years.
A Culinary Icon's Farewell and Frank Confessions
The 85-year-old culinary legend, renowned for her vibrant style and sharp critiques in the Bake Off tent, is stepping down to dedicate more time to her husband, retired fashion designer John Playfair, 77. Her departure coincides with the upcoming release of her new book, Being Old...And Learning to Love It, set for publication on February 26th, which delves into her personal stories and perspectives on later life.
The Icy Slopes Incident and Sit-Skiing Salvation
Among the most dramatic anecdotes is Prue's recollection of a disastrous attempt at skiing on the nursery slopes of Wengen, Switzerland. She describes it as an "utter fiasco," where her long skis repeatedly detached, and a stern 17-year-old Austrian instructor led to tears and tumbles on the icy terrain. "She swooped down the icy slopes and I came tumbling after. She shouted a lot, I cried a lot," Prue admits.
However, she has since found joy in adaptative sports, particularly sit-skiing, which she discovered during a lavish family Christmas trip to Val d'Isère in 2024. "I thought, 'sod it, let's go the whole hog'. What better way to spend your hard-earned cash than on a family holiday? But the highlight, for me, was the sit-skiing," she shares, highlighting her willingness to embrace new experiences despite physical limitations.
Rejecting Conventional Ageing Advice
Prue Leith openly dismisses the widely promoted 'MEDS' philosophy for older adults—which emphasises Mindset, Exercise, Diet, and Stress reduction—stating bluntly, "Needless to say, I don't match up." She expresses a particular aversion to what she terms "forced exercise," describing activities like push-ups, Pilates, and yoga as "variations of hell."
"I find exercise for the sake of exercise painful and unbelievably boring. Being tortured on a Pilates reformer machine, forcing oneself out into the rain to go running or doing push-ups on the bedroom floor are all variations of hell for me," she declares. Instead, she favours competitive and sociable pursuits, such as tennis and riding, which she enjoyed in her younger years, though she has reluctantly adapted these activities as she ages.
A Youthful Mindset and Family Life
Residing in a home she built with her husband in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, Prue shows no signs of adopting a subdued approach to ageing. She celebrates shifting perceptions around growing older, criticising past generations for believing that activities like dancing, wearing bright colours, or enjoying romance become "inappropriate" after 60. "I think they were brainwashed," she asserts, advocating for a more vibrant and engaged later life.
Despite her youthful outlook, she humorously acknowledges the realities of ageing, recalling a moment when her three-year-old grandchild asked, "Nana, why is your neck so stringy?" She admits to the physical changes—stooping back, greying hair, and a widening waist—but firmly believes that "old age is largely in the mind."
Work, Travel, and Moderation Defied
Prue continues to lead an active life, often transforming work commitments, such as book promotions or theatre tours for her stand-up performances, into mini-holidays with her husband. They travel across the UK, enjoying leisurely lunches, exploration, and evening shows, turning professional trips into "jolly jaunts."
Her secret to staying youthful? She declares it with characteristic boldness: "Nothing in moderation!" This philosophy encapsulates her rejection of restrictive norms and her embrace of life's pleasures, from family holidays to competitive sports, even as she navigates the challenges and accommodations that come with advancing years.
As Prue Leith bids farewell to The Great British Bake Off, her candid stories and unapologetic views offer a refreshing perspective on ageing, resilience, and the joy of living life on one's own terms.
