Updated: February 27, 2026
Prue Leith Husband: Prue Leith, the vibrant Dame and beloved judge from The Great British Bake Off, has captured hearts worldwide with her sharp wit, colorful style, and no-nonsense approach to baking. But beyond the tent and her cookbooks, fans often wonder about her personal life—especially her husband. At 86, Prue is happily married to John Playfair, and their story is one of second chances, age-gap charm, and enduring companionship. Let’s dive into who John is, how they met, and what makes their relationship so special today.
Table of Contents
Prue Leith’s First Marriage and Path to Widowhood
Before John, Prue shared a deep and complex love with her first husband, Rayne Kruger. Rayne was a property developer and author, and their relationship began unconventionally as a 13-year affair while he was married to someone else. They finally tied the knot in 1974 and enjoyed nearly three decades together until Rayne’s passing in 2002 at age 80.
- They had two children: son Danny Kruger (now a prominent politician, MP for East Wiltshire, who recently switched to Reform UK) and daughter Li-Da Kruger (a filmmaker, adopted from Cambodia in 1975).
- Prue has spoken openly about the grief after losing Rayne, calling it “the price you pay for love,” yet she cherished their bond deeply.
After nearly a decade as a widow, Prue wasn’t actively seeking romance—but life had other plans.
Meeting John Playfair: A Surprise Late-Life Romance
Prue met John Playfair in 2011, when she was around 71 and he was about 64. John, a retired clothes designer (sometimes described in fashion circles), brought a fresh spark into her world. Prue has shared how she was upfront about her age early on, fearing the gap might scare him off. In a recent 2026 interview, she recalled it as a “painful” but necessary moment—she “bit the bullet” and told him she was 70, suspecting he was younger. Luckily, it didn’t faze him!
They married in October 2016 in a joyful ceremony in Scotland. Prue often jokes about John being her “toy boy,” especially as recent reports note him at 78 while she’s 86. The couple initially kept separate homes but later built a beautiful house together in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, where they enjoy a cozy, supportive life.
Life Together Today: Companionship and Shared Adventures
Fast-forward to 2026, and Prue and John are still going strong. Prue recently stepped away from Bake Off to focus more on personal time, including with her husband. They’ve been open about keeping things lively—even sharing light-hearted details like using testosterone gel to add “spice” to their intimacy. John has also embraced health changes, like dropping weight on Mounjaro, though Prue quipped she didn’t lose a pound from similar efforts!
Their partnership shines through in everyday joys: cooking together, traveling, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Prue has said meeting John felt “odd” at first because she unexpectedly found herself interested again after years alone.
Here’s a quick overview of key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Husband | John Playfair (retired clothes designer) |
| Marriage Date | October 2016 |
| How They Met | 2011 (introduced through mutual connections) |
| Age Difference | Prue (86 in 2026), John (78) |
| Residence | Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire |
| Notable Shared Moments | Building a home together, health journeys, candid interviews on love and aging |
Conclusion: Love Proves It’s Never Too Late
Prue Leith’s journey with her husband John Playfair is a refreshing reminder that love can bloom at any age. From the heartbreak of losing Rayne to finding unexpected happiness later in life, Prue’s story celebrates resilience, honesty, and joy in companionship. Whether she’s whipping up a cake or sharing laughs with John, she embodies living fully—no regrets, just gratitude.
If you’re inspired by strong, real-life love stories, Prue and John’s is one worth savoring. Who knows—maybe it’ll encourage you to stay open to new chapters, no matter the calendar!