Kissing just as good now as when I was 16, says Leith

DAME PRUE LEITH has urged people not to give up on kissing when they become senior citizens, saying it is “just as good now as it was when I was 16”.

The broadcaster and cookery writer said that even she does not like to see “oldies” kissing on television, but recommends it in real life.

Appearing at the Hay Festival, Dame Prue, 83, said she was an advocate for “geriatric love”.

She married her second husband, John Playfair, when she was 76.

“I think love is what makes the world go round. I think we all have to have love in our lives,” she said.

“It doesn’t have to be the classic girlboy love, it could be love of your spaniel or love of ornithology.

“You have to have something you really love otherwise life loses its flavour. So, yes, I am a real advocate.

“I think we find it very embarrassing to see old people kissing, and even I shut my eyes when a couple of oldies like me are kissing on the telly. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed. I’ll tell you what – it’s just as good now as it was when I was 16.”

Dame Prue’s previous advice on having a happy relationship included maintaining separate homes. For several years after their marriage, she and her present spouse lived a mile apart. The arrangement ensured that there were no rows over tidying up or division of household chores.

“What you want – and what I get – is him without his clobber and without the responsibility of looking after his laundry or sewing on his buttons,” she explained.

Dame Prue shared various life tips with the Hay audience, including advice to stop taking gifts for the host or hostess when attending a dinner party.