Prue Leith Reflects on Ageing and Mortality in Frank Discussion
Former Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith has offered a remarkably open perspective on death and growing older, admitting she contemplates her own mortality on a near-daily basis. The 86-year-old culinary icon shared these personal insights during a recent interview, touching on topics from assisted dying to her self-perceived shortcomings as a grandmother.
Contemplating the Inevitable
"I think about death a lot," Leith revealed. "I look ahead and see death. Funnily enough I think it's something that old people do." She noted that while she rarely considered mortality during her sixties, such thoughts now enter her mind most days as passing reflections.
Despite acknowledging global concerns about artificial intelligence and potential conflicts, Leith finds a strange comfort in her limited timeline. "I think, 'Oh well I won't be here - let them carry on.' It's quite comforting - I won't have to worry about that. I don't have long left. Ten years if I'm lucky. I need to use them well."
A Passionate Advocate for Assisted Dying
Leith has become a vocal supporter of assisted dying legislation, even as she describes herself as "relatively healthy" for her age. Her stance has created familial tension, particularly with her son Danny Kruger, a Conservative MP who leads parliamentary opposition to such measures.
"I would like to go in my bed, surrounded by my family, at a time of my choosing," she explained regarding her ideal departure. "When I've had enough, I just want to be able to take some drug, have someone inject me with something or other, and plan it."
She emphasized the importance of preparation and minimizing trauma for loved ones: "I want to be ready, I won't be frightened, my family will know what I'm doing, there will be no surprises, nobody is going to have to find me dead in a heap or something."
Leith attributes much of the resistance to assisted dying in the UK to the legacy of serial killer Harold Shipman, but points to international examples as evidence of its viability. "Four per cent of people in Canada are dying now in this way, and I think it's proof that it's a popular bill. I wouldn't be surprised if it was 50% when word gets around how much nicer it is."
Embracing Life at 86
Despite her mortality reflections, Leith shows no signs of slowing down. She recently stepped down from Great British Bake Off after nine years as a judge, partly to reclaim summer holidays for European travel with family.
"I don't like the word 'retire'," she asserted. "Though I'm rather hoping this book will be my last. It's amazing to be 86. It's a vast old age and I'm quite astonished to be there."
She maintains a positive outlook: "I have no reason to be unhappy. If I wasn't happy I think it would be disgracefully ungrateful, because I have all the things that make you happy. I'm comparatively healthy for my age. I sleep well. I eat well. I love well."
Family Dynamics and Grandparenting
Leith offered a surprisingly self-critical assessment of her grandmothering abilities. "I think I was a good mum. I've been a rotten grandmother though," she confessed, noting she doesn't spend as much time with her five grandchildren (eleven including step-grandchildren) as she observes other grandmothers doing.
Her husband John Playfair, 72, whom she married in 2016, has developed creative methods to attract the younger generation. "He buys really dangerous toys, trikes, motorbikes, no stabilisers. They come for the danger... and stay for us - and lunch."
Life After Bake Off
Since leaving the popular baking competition, Leith remains active with her ITV show Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen, filmed at her home. "I love filming at home - I barely need to get out of bed," she quipped.
She maintains a close friendship with former co-judge Paul Hollywood, who was the first person she informed about her departure. The response to her exit has been overwhelmingly positive, which she finds somewhat surprising: "Nobody has said 'good riddance' - not one person! It's extraordinary - it's a cake show for goodness sake."
Leith expresses enthusiasm for her successor, Nigella Lawson, describing her as "terrific." Meanwhile, she continues to balance work with personal life, supported by her husband who even selects her characteristically vibrant wardrobe.
Her new book, Being Old and Learning to Love It, explores these themes of ageing, love in later life, and embracing mortality with characteristic candor.
