The PERFECT MIX

In his first solo interview, JOHN PLAYFAIR reveals why teaming up with wife Dame Prue Leith on TV has proven a recipe for success

- 

PRUE LEITH'S COTSWOLD KITCHEN
SUN, 11.30AM, ITV1 COOKERY

John Playfair is having a real ball working alongside his wife, Dame Prue Leith, in their popular Sunday-morning celebration of the crème de la crème of country-living and culinary tips.

However, it seems that Prue, who has been a judge on C4's The Great British Bake Off since 2017, isn't best pleased about her husband becoming a TV personality in his own right...

'She's indulging my new-found fame,' grins retired fashion designer John, 78, as he joins us for an exclusive - and his first solo - interview. 'She said she'd be annoyed if I became a star, so she's going around in an artificial hump and sulk, which is fun.

'Don't worry, she won't really mind me talking to you, TV Times!'

Aw, we're pleased to hear it. After a successful first series last year, Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen is currently enjoying a second outing on ITV1, with South African restaurateur Prue again holding court in their idyllic home as she welcomes a fresh batch of celebrity guests to help her whip up mouth-watering dishes, while John celebrates the wonders of living in the countryside.

Here, John, who tied the knot with Prue in 2016, spills the baking beans on why it's proving a dream job and what it's really like working with a cookery doyenne...

How are you finding your recent stardom, John?

It hasn't sunk in yet. All I can say is, I'm enjoying doing the series enormously. And it's been sold all over the world. People stopped me in the street in Australia and I said, 'I suppose you want a selfie with Prue,' but they replied, 'No, we want one with you.' Result!

Have you and Prue worked together before?