Prue’s bake for more
Telly judge is cashing in with new memoirs
GREAT British Bake Off judge Prue Leith is earning yet more dough – with a new version of her memoirs.
The celebrity restaurateur made her debut on the TV show last week and was an instant hit with viewers.
Now Prue, 77 – said to be on £200,000 for Bake Off – is releasing an updated version of her life story Relish.
Since the 2014 edition she has married John Playfair and been chosen as Mary Berry’s high-profile replacement on Bake Off. And like the best of cakes, the former Great British Menu judge will be hoping for a nice rise in sales.
Quercus publisher Jane Wood said: “Unlike most people in their mid-70s, Prue Leith shows no signs of slowing down. In the past three years she has fallen in love, remarried and launched a major new television career as a Great British Bake Off judge.”
Prue joined existing judge Paul Hollywood, 51, and new hosts Sandi Toksvig, 59, and Noel Fielding, 41, for Channel 4’s version of the show. And despite initial reservations about how the former BBC hit would fare, reviews have been glowing.
Sandi revealed how Prue was writing her book in between Bake Off takes. The comedian said: “In our breaks, Noel and I and the two judges are allowed to sit in the library lined with leatherbound books. We quickly fall into routine. Paul has half an eye on some sport on the TV, Prue is writing another book and Noel chats to me while I knit or take charge of the open fire.
“I cannot think of a time in my life when four people have been more companionable or at ease with each other.”
As well as her memoirs, Prue is also working on the final book of her novel trilogy, the Angelotti Chronicles.
The Lost Son – due out next autumn – follows three generations of an Anglo-italian family in the restaurant trade.