The business woman and Great British Bake Off judge now working with the government to improve NHS food - her independent review demanding healthier meals for hospital patients.
Born in South Africa, it was time spent in Paris which sparked Prue Leith's love of food. Transferring to London, she started a food empire in her bedsit, going on to open a catering college and a Michelin star restaurant.
She took on public roles too, becoming the first woman on the board of British Rail, charged with fixing the network's food which had become a laughing stock.
Prue built her media profile alongside roles in the arts, charity sector and education. Then after controversial team-changes in The Great British Bake Off, she's now become a bona fide celebrity, helping the hit programme reach record audiences.
Producers: Richard Fenton-Smith & Ben Crighton Editor: Ros jones