Prue Leith: Culinary Icon & Judge of The Great British Baking Show
From gourmet kitchens to primetime baking tents, Dame Prue Leith has built a legendary career in food, television and publishing. With decades in restaurants, cookery schools and broadcast media behind her, she now brings her expert judgment to The Great British Baking Show, including the upcoming holiday-themed edition premiering Thursday, November 20, 2025, on Netflix. Here’s everything you need to know about her bio, age, family, children, books and estimated net worth.
Quick Profile Summary
Full Name: Dame Prudence Margaret Leith
Age: 85 (born February 18, 1940)
Nationality: South African-British (born in Cape Town, South Africa)
Profession: Restaurateur, broadcaster, cookery writer, novelist, TV judge
Known For: Judge on The Great British Baking Show (since 2017)
Current Role: Returns as judge for Holiday edition on Netflix, November 20, 2025
Books Authored: Numerous cookbooks and novels (see Books section)
Net Worth Estimate: Approximately £85 million as of early 2025
Early Life & Background
Prue Leith was born in Cape Town, South Africa on 18 February 1940. Raised in a family rooted in business and arts, she attended St Mary’s School, Waverley, before studying at the University of Cape Town. In 1960 she moved to London to train at Le Cordon Bleu and laid the foundations of her future culinary empire.
Biography & Career
Dame Prue Leith launched her career in the 1960s and 1970s with catering and restaurants. She founded the acclaimed Leith’s School of Food and Wine and enjoyed success as a restaurateur. Later, she transitioned into writing cookery books and novels, and into television. In 2017 she replaced Mary Berry as judge on The Great British Bake Off, now known in the U.S. as The Great British Baking Show.
In 2025 she will judge the holiday-themed edition of the show, streaming on Netflix beginning November 20, alongside Paul Hollywood. She continues to combine her culinary passion with her TV presence and writing career.
Prue Leith Children
Son: Danny Kruger – British Member of Parliament (formerly Conservative, now Reform UK)
Daughter: Li‑Da Kruger – Adopted Cambodian-born, works as a filmmaker
Husband / Partner
Prue was married to author and property developer Rayne Kruger from 1974 until his death in 2002. In October 2016, she married retired clothes designer John Playfair; the couple live together in the Cotswolds in England.
Books
An accomplished writer, Prue Leith’s published works span cookbooks and novels. Some highlights include:
Leith’s Cookery Bible (with Caroline Waldegrave)
Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom (2018)
Fiction trilogy: The Food of Love, The Prodigal Daughter, The Lost Son
Her books reflect both her culinary expertise and her flair for storytelling.
Prue Leith Net Worth
Prue’s success in restaurants, publishing and television has built significant wealth. The UK media estimate her net worth around £85 million in 2025. With her ongoing television role and book sales, that value continues to grow.
FAQs About Prue Leith
1. How old is Prue Leith?
She was born on February 18, 1940, making her 85 years old in 2025.
2. Where is Prue Leith from?
She was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and holds dual South African-British citizenship.
3. Who are Prue Leith’s children?
She has a son, Danny Kruger, UK MP; and a daughter, Li-Da Kruger, who was adopted from Cambodia.
4. Who is Prue Leith married to?
She is married to John Playfair (since 2016); previously married to Rayne Kruger (1974-2002).
5. What books has Prue Leith written?
She has authored many cookbooks and novels, including Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom and the Food of Love trilogy.
6. What TV shows has Prue Leith appeared on?
She’s judged The Great British Menu, My Kitchen Rules UK, and The Great British Bake Off.
7. What is Prue Leith’s net worth?
Prue has an estimated net worth at around £85 million as of 2025.