The Great British Bake Off judge says she isn’t keen on ‘touchy-feely mindfulness’
Prue Leith has made it clear that she won’t be tuning in to Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle television programme, With Love, Meghan.
The Great British Bake Off judge, 85, dismissed the Duchess of Sussex’s latest venture during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, expressing her lack of enthusiasm for the show’s content.
‘I honestly wouldn’t watch it’
Speaking candidly to the breakfast show’s presenters, Leith said:
“I’ve only read about it [the show], but I honestly wouldn’t watch it.”
When asked to elaborate, the veteran cook admitted she wasn’t interested in lifestyle programmes that focused on mindfulness and self-care.
“Well, I’m not a Meghan Markle fan,” she said bluntly.
“I don’t know why… all that sort of touchy-feely mindfulness, endless worrying about what creams you put on your hands. I just think there’s more to life than how you look and how your friends think of you.”
Leith then joked that her comments might not go down well with everyone, adding:
“I think I might have just alienated half my fans.”
Meghan Markle’s expanding media ventures
Markle’s new television show premiered last week on Netflix to a mixed reception. The eight-part series, which features the former Suits actress offering hosting tips and cooking with celebrity friends, has received heavy criticism from reviewers.
The Guardian described With Love, Meghan as a “gormless lifestyle filler” and “so pointless it might be the Sussexes’ last TV show.” Meanwhile, The Telegraph gave it a mere two-star rating, calling it “insane” and an “exercise in narcissism.”
Despite the lukewarm reviews, Netflix has already renewed the series for a second season, suggesting the programme has gained enough viewership to warrant a continuation.
Return to podcasting
In addition to her television work, Markle announced on Thursday that she would be returning to podcasting with a new series titled Confessions of a Female Founder. The first episode is set to be released on 8 April.
This move comes after her previous podcast, Archetypes, ended following the termination of her contract with Spotify in 2023. Markle has now partnered with Lemonada Media, signing a deal in February 2024 to relaunch her podcasting career.
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Rebranding her lifestyle brand
Markle has also been busy revamping her lifestyle brand. She recently relaunched As Ever, less than a year after launching American Riviera Orchard. The rebranding follows a rejected trademark application for American Riviera Orchard last March. Markle was given three months to amend and resubmit the application, but instead opted for a name change.
The original brand filing covered a wide range of products, including cookbooks, table linens, cutlery, jams, jellies, and nut butter. A separate international filing also included stationery, garden tools, lighting, tote bags, and pet accessories. It remains to be seen whether As Ever will prove more successful.
Public reaction and ongoing criticism
Markle’s ventures into television, podcasting, and lifestyle branding have consistently divided public opinion. While she maintains a loyal fanbase, critics argue that her projects lack depth and originality. The backlash surrounding With Love, Meghan is just the latest example of the polarising response to her media efforts.
Prue Leith’s comments reflect a broader scepticism among some sections of the British public, who remain unconvinced by Markle’s approach to self-care and lifestyle branding. However, with Netflix doubling down on her television series and her return to podcasting on the horizon, it is clear that Markle is determined to continue her presence in the entertainment and lifestyle industry—whether people like it or not.
