Dame Prue Leith Reflects on Ageing and Death in Frank Interview
In an exclusive and deeply personal conversation, national treasure Dame Prue Leith, the former judge of The Great British Bake Off, has shared her thoughts on growing older, family dynamics, and her hopes for a peaceful end. At 86, Leith admits, "I don't have long left", revealing that thoughts of mortality now occupy her mind regularly.
Family Regrets and Grandparenting Guilt
Despite a celebrated career, Leith confesses to feeling like a "rotten grandmother". She compares herself unfavourably to other grandmothers who "live for their grandchildren", acknowledging her own shortcomings in spending quality time with her five grandchildren, plus six more from her husband's side.
"I fail utterly," she admits. "What do I bring to the table? Occasionally I give the children cooking lessons." Her husband, retired fashion designer John Playfair, 72, whom she married in 2016, has developed a unique strategy to attract the children: "He buys really dangerous toys, trikes, motorbikes, no stabilisers. They come for the danger… and stay for us - and lunch."
A Life Well-Lived and New Beginnings
Leith's family includes her biological son, Danny Kruger, 51, and adopted daughter from Cambodia, Li-Da Kruger, 50, from her first marriage to Rayne Kruger, who passed away in 2002 after 30 years together. Now "very much in love and happily married" to Playfair, she discusses their romance in her new book, Being Old and Learning to Love it.
Her decision to leave Bake Off after nine years was partly motivated by a desire for summer holidays in Europe. "I'm South African, I have to get near the sun," she explains, having planned a family trip to Spain, Italy, France, or Greece.
Advocacy for Assisted Dying
Perhaps most strikingly, Leith is a vocal proponent of assisted dying, a position that puts her at odds with her MP son, Danny Kruger, who leads the opposition. She has planned her ideal departure: "I would like to go in my bed, surrounded by my family, at a time of my choosing."
She argues passionately for the practice, citing examples from countries like Canada where it's legal. "I think assisted dying, while it might sound extreme, is sensible," she states. "A lot of people have an absolutely horrible death, and unnecessarily so." She attributes much of the resistance in the UK to the legacy of serial killer Harold Shipman, but believes public opinion is shifting.
Embracing Age with Joy and Purpose
Despite her mortality musings, Leith remains active and content. She continues filming Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen from her home, enjoying the convenience and time with her husband. "I love filming at home - I barely need to get out of bed," she quips.
Reflecting on her life, she expresses profound gratitude: "I have no reason to be unhappy. I'm comparatively healthy for my age. I sleep well. I eat well. I love well. I've had two happy marriages... What is there to complain about? Nothing."
Her colourful attire, chosen by her husband, and her infectious joie de vivre mask deeper contemplations. "I think about death a lot," she reveals. "Just passing thoughts... I don't have long left. Ten years if I'm lucky. I need to use them well."
Through her candid revelations, Dame Prue Leith offers a rare glimpse into the realities of ageing, blending humour, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to living—and ending—life on her own terms.
