Prue Leith revealed this week that she’d had enough exposure to her Great British Bake Off co-star Paul Hollywood to last her a “lifetime”.
With her characteristically laser sharp bluntness, she complained that their relationship had caused her issues with her husband, as she accidentally mixes up their names. The 84-year-old Channel 4 star has been married to second husband John Playfair for almost a decade, following a nearly 30-year long marriage with author Rayne Kruger.
However, she joked on Instagram today that her closeness with work colleague Paul has caused friction. “I’ve known Paul for eight years, but I’ve seen enough of him for a lifetime,” she exclaimed.
“We spend all the summer together and it’s become slightly embarrassing because I often call my husband Paul. My husband’s name is John. He doesn’t like it.”
In video footage, an incredulous Paul could be seen looking at her quizzically in reaction to the news – before admitting the confusion goes both ways. “Yeah, she does call me John – or darling!” he admitted.
“Well, I call everyone darling – so that doesn’t mean anything,” she assured him.
The pair carried on the banter, with Paul mimicking her claim that she’d had enough of him and making it clear he’s not up for communication either.
When asked whether Paul prefers “a call or a text”, Prue feistily hit back: “Neither, he’d rather not be bothered!”
In agreement, Paul raised a sign which he’d written the word “neither” on, joking: “Leave me alone!”
However, the pair have become very well acquainted with each other’s quirks during their time on the show together, with Paul vowing that he knows “exactly how she likes her tea”.
When Prue, who has prepared tea for Queen Elizabeth II in her time, confirmed it was true, he joked: “See, I know her better than she does!”
He even predicted Prue’s birthday down to the exact time on February 18 – although he may have been bluffing.
The bemused baking expert shrugged: “Actually you might be right, because I have no idea about the last bit!”
One Instagram fan raved: “Together and probably separately, those two are completely adorable. Love the show!”, while another praised their “truly entertaining show, [which makes] competition fun and healthy”.