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Prue Leith's brutal health battle as Bake Off icon says 'it's nearly the end'

The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has become a beloved part of the show since she joined the Channel 4 series to judge with Paul Hollywood back in 2017

Great British Bake Off icon Prue Leith has opened up about her health struggles.

The 85-year-old took over from Dame Mary Berry to sit alongside Paul Hollywood as judge during the channel hop from BBC to Channel 4 back in 2017. Now, after nearly a decade on the programme, Prue has addressed the possibility of hanging up her apron.

On several occasions the TV chef has spoken about the harsh realities of getting older and how it's forcing her to slow down, both professionally and personally.

Earlier this year Prue made a heartfelt admission to the Loose Women panellists: "Age stinks. Come on, it takes me 10 minutes to get myself out of bed in the morning. If I don't do my exercises I can't move."

The culinary expert acknowledged that while she's becoming more aware that she's approaching the twilight of her life, this knowledge actually motivates her to squeeze more joy out of every moment, reports the Express.

[Prue has been suffering with her health for a while]

Prue has been suffering with her health for a while(Image: Channel 4 / Mark Bourdillon / Love Productions)

Prue explained: "There are all sorts of things that are wrong with old age, you're very conscious that this is nearly the end. You then decide that you're going to make the most of it and have fun."

Back in April Prue admitted certain pursuits are sadly now out of reach for her particularly when it comes to gardening, which remains one of her favourite hobbies. She told The Telegraph: "We've got a new potting shed and greenhouse and I'm thrilled. It's full of plants I had in childhood in South Africa, like bright bougainvillaea."

[The Bake Off icon judges contestants alongside Paul Hollywood]

The Bake Off icon judges contestants alongside Paul Hollywood(Image: BANG Showbiz)

"I like propagating because my back hurts and I can do it on a high stool. I'm not as hands-on as I'd like because I'm no longer able to be. I find it vaguely surprising I can't do certain things any longer."

[Aside from baking, Prue is an avid gardener]

Aside from baking, Prue is an avid gardener(Image: ITV)

The cooking guru also said there are particular foods she struggles to resist and she gets "furious" when husband John Playfair tempts her with delicious offerings: "My husband John is naughty because he'll bring me tea and yogurt and I'll be furious because I won't be able to resist eating it."

"I don't usually have breakfast as it's about the only food I can resist and I have a problem keeping my weight remotely down."

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