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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The 'horrific' experience that almost derailed Bake Off legend Prue Leith's entire TV career - before major showbiz U-turn
Prue Leith is one of the foremost celebrity chefs currently on our screens. The Cordon Bleu-trained cook, 85, started out in catering, before opening a Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill and a school for budding chefs. She is also a prolific cookbook writer, columnist and author, publishing cookbooks, novels - and her 2013 tell-all memoir Relish. All this while sustaining a near 60-year TV career, judging BBC 's Great British Menu, and, more famously, The Great British Bake Off, replacing Mary Berry when the show moved to Channel 4 in 2017. But despite her now huge success, one major moment at the start of her career meant it all nearly did not happen. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Her first foray into telly came in the seventies, presenting a show for housewives for Tyne Tees Television, the precursor to the ITV franchise for North East England. But Prue said she had such a 'horrific' experience, it left her close to abandoning a career in TV altogether. She told Candis Magazine: 'With no previous presenting experience, it would be fair to say I wasn't a natural. 'I was very bad at it and didn't enjoy it at all. I think [the show] died a death.' The ordeal put her off entirely - and for years after this, she did virtually no TV work. In fact, despite receiving offers to make further appearances, she turned most of them down in this period. Instead, the cook chose to feature as a guest on a handful of documentaries in the eighties on topics that interested her. But everything changed in the early noughties, when her beloved husband, South African author and property developer Rayne Kruger, died in 2002, aged 80. The tragedy saw her join the panel on Great British Menu, which sees the country's best chefs compete for the chance to cook a course at a prestigious meal - for diners ranging from royals, to ambassadors, to veterans. Prue adored being part of the programme - and stayed for 11 years, until her departure for Bake Off. And now, not only do viewers love to watch the baker, along with her iconic funky jewellery, in Britain - she has won the hearts of audiences across the pond too. As The Great British Bake Off has proved popular with stateside viewers, it got its own American spin-off, The Great American Baking Show, in 2015. Prue's GBBO colleague Paul Hollywood had simultaneously been a part of the American iteration since 2017 - and she joined him in 2022. With both the British and American versions of the series to enjoy in the USA, Prue now always gets stopped in the street when visiting the country: 'I get asked if I am that lady from the baking show.' Her judging schedule is packed to the rafters - and it meant she stepped down from judging the celebrity version of the baking competition this year. She was replaced by her friend Lady Caroline Waldegrave, the managing director of Leiths School Of Food And Wine - which Prue founded. The celebrity chef (pictured with fellow judge Paul last month) has previously said it was simply to get a break from back-to-back filming The celebrity chef has previously said it was simply to get a break from back-to-back filming - aged 85, she wants to travel, have days off and spend time with her husband. She tied the knot with fashion designer John Playfair, 77, in 2016. Speaking to journalist Holly Rubenstein on her podcast The Travel Diaries, Prue said: 'I haven't got much longer, I'm 85, I want to spend as much time as I can with him.' The constant travelling to the US puts a strain on her: '[My agent] doesn't quite say, "She needs a carer", but it's pretty close.' Praising John, she gushed: 'One of the wonderful things about him is that he is totally without ego, he doesn't feel threatened by the fact that I have a higher profile than he does. 'When I introduce him [to people], he always just says, "I'm the handbag carrier, I'm her chauffeur".' Last year, Prue and John shared the details of the start of their relationship during a sweet joint appearance on Loose Women. The chef revealed she bolted from their first meeting at a dinner party at a friend's house. When she first arrived, there were only two men and two women there, including John, making it obvious it was a double date set-up - which she was put off by. The TV personality said she made her excuses to leave as quickly as she could, never anticipating what would happen next. Prue revealed the following day, John turned up on her doorstep - and he admitted during the Loose Women interview he instantly 'knew she was the one'. The chef quipped: 'I paid him to say that.' Prue also said her husband is the inspiration behind her eye-catching outfits: 'Colour is influenced by you... 'I ask for John's advice and he always says, "No, it's not enough - bigger earrings or more colour. 'He pushes me further. It's great because most women who hit 50 think they have to wear grey and I think you need colour.' Prue has also previously spoken out about the 13-year affair she had with her late first husband Rayne. She revealed their long marriage started as an affair, after she fell for her mother's best friend's husband. The baker decided to speak out about the experience in her 2013 memoir. She said on the White Wine Question Time podcast several years ago she had no desire to be 'discreet' about her personal life. Prue told presenter, journalist Kate Thornton: 'If there are things in your life you're not exactly proud of, but they would be interesting to the reader, you should try to tackle them. 'I thought, "You know, to skip it, when Rayne was the most important person in my life... how could I not tell his whole story?" So I did.' Prue, born in Cape Town, worked with Rayne while he was married to the late South African actress Nan Munro - Prue's mother's best friend. 'I never asked him to leave his wife because I was very happy,' she explained of their affair. 'I had none of the duties of life and all of the pleasures of somebody who loved me. I wasn't pressing for marriage. 'We did have 13 secret years and nobody ever guessed because we were discreet. 'But it was easier in a way because he was a family friend, chairman of my company, and he had helped me enormously and everyone knew we were great friends.' Eventually Rayne left his wife, who was 17 years his senior, to start a life and a family with Prue. They have a daughter, Li-Da Kruger, who they adopted from Cambodia. She is now a filmmaker. They also share son Danny Kruger, now the Conservative MP for East Wiltshire.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Colin Farrell talks about the tough decision of long-term care for his son James, who is suffering from Angelman Syndrome
Colin Farrell has made a very hard decision regarding the future of his 21-year-old son, James, who lives with Angelman syndrome , a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. Farrell revealed that he and his ex-partner, Kim Bordenave, have decided to place James in a long-term care facility in a recent interview. After giving considerable consideration to what would be best for James in the years to come, the choice was made. Concerns for James's future According to the Candis Magazine interview, Farrell explained the reason behind this difficult choice. He spoke about his fear of what could happen if both he and Kim were suddenly unable to care for James. "It's tricky – some parents will say, 'I want to take care of my child myself', and I respect that. But my horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James' mother, Kim, has a car crash and she's taken too – and then James is on his own?' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Is Reported To Have Read Every... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The 48-year-old actor further explained his concerns, saying that if such a situation occurred, James could become "a ward of the state," and they would "have no say in it." To avoid this, Farrell and Bordenave are carefully evaluating different care facilities to find the right place for James. "We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected," Farrell said. He also added that by choosing a place now, they can stay involved in James's life, visiting him often and taking him out whenever possible. Advocating for young adults with disabilities Farrell has been a strong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. He has often spoken about the challenges that come as children with special needs grow into adulthood. In an earlier interview with People magazine, he said, "Once your child turns 21, they're kind of on their own. All the safeguards that are put in place – special ed classes – that all goes away. So, you're left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind." Farrell recently established the ' Colin Farrell Foundation ,' which focuses on advocacy, education, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to help close these gaps. His son James, who is nonverbal and needs constant assistance, served as the inspiration for this work.
Hindustan Times
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Colin Farrell will move his son, suffering with a rare genetic disorder, to a care facility: 'Where he feels connected'
Irish actor Colin Farrell has shared that he and his ex-partner, Kim Bordenave, have made a major life decision regarding their son James, who has Angelman syndrome — a rare genetic disorder that impacts the nervous system and leads to significant developmental and physical challenges. In a recent interview with Candis Magazine, the Penguin star revealed they've decided to transition James into a long-term care facility. This decision, he explained, wasn't easy but felt necessary as they look ahead to the future. A post shared by Kim Marie 🪶 (@kimbordenave) 'It's tricky – some parents will say, 'I want to take care of my child myself', and I respect that. But my horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James' mother, Kim, has a car crash and she's taken too – and then James is on his own?' he said. The 48-year-old actor's concern centers around what would happen to James if both parents were suddenly unable to care for him. 'And he goes where? We'd have no say in it,' Colin said, explaining that in such a situation, James could become 'a ward of the state.' Colin shared that they're currently evaluating different facilities, hoping to find one that feels right. 'We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected,' he said, adding that they'd like to choose a place now—while they're still active in James' life—so they can visit often and take him out occasionally. A post shared by Kim Marie 🪶 (@kimbordenave) The oscar-nominated actor has long advocated for individuals with intellectual disabilities and has been candid about the challenges that come with navigating care systems as children with special needs transition into adulthood. He previously spoke to People magazine about how the turning point of age 21 creates a major gap in support. 'Once your child turns 21, they're kind of on their own. All the safeguards that are put in place – special ed classes – that all goes away. So, you're left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind,' he had said. To help address these gaps, Colin is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation, which will focus on advocacy, education, and programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The initiative, he said, is dedicated to James, who is nonverbal. Angelman syndrome, which James was diagnosed with, is typically identified through genetic testing—particularly changes in the UBE3A gene. The condition, though rare, is lifelong, and individuals affected often require continuous support.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
What is Angelman Syndrome? Colin Farrell opens up about his son's rare condition and long-term care decision
Oscar-nominated actor Colin Farrell has shared an emotional update on his son James, who lives with Angelman syndrome—a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system, leading to developmental delays, limited speech, and impaired coordination. As James transitions into adulthood, Farrell and his former partner, Kim Bordenave, have made the difficult decision to move him into a long-term care facility. Angelman syndrome typically manifests between six and twelve months of age, with early signs including a lack of crawling or babbling. As children grow, symptoms often include difficulty walking, seizures, and intellectual disability. Many affected individuals display a joyful demeanour, with frequent smiling and laughter, and tend to be easily excited. Speaking to Candis Magazine, Farrell, 48, explained their decision: 'It's tricky – some parents will say, 'I want to take care of my child myself,' and I respect that. But my horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James' mother, Kim, has a car crash... and then James is on his own?' Farrell added, 'We'd have no say in it. We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected.' The couple is currently seeking a facility where James can thrive while still receiving visits from his family. The decision comes as James recently turned 21, ageing out of many publicly supported care programmes available to children with disabilities. Farrell, a long-time advocate for special needs families, also founded a foundation in honour of James to support intellectual disability services. Farrell has spoken movingly about James's milestones, including the moment he first walked. 'He took, like, six steps, and I burst into tears,' he recalled.
The Independent
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What is Angelman syndrome? The rare genetic condition affecting Colin Farrell's son
Actor Colin Farrell has opened up about the difficult decision to move his son James, who has Angelman syndrome, into a long-term care facility. The Oscar-nominated star of The Banshees of Inisherin, who recently won a Golden Globe for HBO series The Penguin, has previously spoken about his son's journey with the rare disorder which causes developmental delays and affects the nervous system. In an interview this week the actor, 48, revealed he and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave are exploring options to find a long-term home for James, 21, in case anything should happen to them. The parents fear James would become a ward of the state if both of his caregivers were taken ill or killed in an accident. He told Candis Magazine: 'We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected.' Farrell also revealed he is starting the Colin Farrell Foundation to provide support for people and families with intellectual disabilities through advocacy, education, and innovative programmes to honour his son, who is nonverbal. What is Angelman syndrome? Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities, according to the NHS. It is diagnosed through genetic testing to see if any chromosomes or pieces of chromosomes are missing, looking at changes in the UBE3A gene. Those diagnosed with Angelman syndrome are likely to need support throughout their life. What are the characteristics of Angelman syndrome? A child with Angelman syndrome will begin to show developmental delays at six to 12 months old and may not begin sitting or babbling at the same time as other children. Later they may struggle with speech and have difficulty walking because of issues with balance and co-ordination. Farrell previously revealed he was moved to tears when his son James took his first steps shortly before his fourth birthday. Some children may also experience seizures. The syndrome is also commonly associated with several distinctive behaviours, although a child with the condition may not exhibit all of them. These include frequent laughter and smiling, being easily excitable, restlessness, having a short attention span, having trouble sleeping and being fascinated with water. How do you manage Angelman syndrome? Anti-epileptic medication can be used to help control seizures in children who experience them. Physiotherapy can also help with mobility and coordination issues and help prevent permanent stiffening of the joints as people with Angelman syndrome get older. Communication therapy can also help those who are nonverbal to communicate through sign language, Makaton and other systems.
