‘Paul and I have never ARGUED!'

Bake Off’s Prue Leith talks about turning down job offers for family time – and what it’s really like working with Paul Hollywood

- CHRISTINE SMITH

At the age of 81, The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith could easily be forgiven if she wanted to retire, but the popular star has no plans to quit – and admits she is having the time of her life, both professionally and personally.

But Prue, who was awarded a damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this year, reveals today she couldn’t take on such a big TV role on Bake Off without the incredible support of her husband, John.

They tied the knot in 2016 – 14 years after the death of Prue’s first husband Rayne, with whom she adopted daughter Li-Da, and had a son, Danny, who are both now grown up.

‘John is such a delight and he has my back so wonderfully. He is the ideal husband for me,’ says Prue.

‘He has not got an ounce of competitive jealousy in him. Many men might find it difficult to have a wife older than them who is so busy and well known.

‘But John encourages me to do everything and he enjoys it. He looks after me without making me think I am a doddery old lady who needs looking after, and he manages to grab my suitcase before I do! He really is adorable.’