We’ll be sweeter than Bake Off...
Mary Berry vows to ‘avoid tears’ in latest contest
The judging differs, I want to encourage people if they’ve made a bit of a cock-up MARY BERRY ON HOW BRITAIN’S BEST HOME COOK AVOIDS BLUNT CRITICISM
TV cook Mary Berry says her latest culinary contest will be kinder to contestants than her former show, The Great British Bake Off.
The star, 83, is fronting BBC1’s Britain’s Best Home Cook with two other judges and presenter Claudia Winkleman.
But she insisted that unlike Bake Off, famous for judge Paul Hollywood’s putdowns and blunt criticism, the new show is more positive with participants.
Mary said: “Yes, the judging certainly is different. We wanted to avoid tears.
“All three of us encouraged people and told them where they went wrong, and said, ‘Next time do it like this’.
“This will help the viewer. It is very much a teaching programme.”
Like Bake Off, the contestants will take part in challenges each week, with one sent home after taste tests.
But Mary, who co-judges with chef Dan Doherty and produce importer Chris Bavin, said: “It was quite different. I’ve spent seven series on Bake Off and so it was very refreshing.
“I couldn’t have chosen two people more knowledgeable in their fields.
“I haven’t changed my principles of judging. I want to get the best out of people and encourage them if they’ve made a bit of a cock-up.
“We don’t want people to be upset but ready for their next challenge.”
In 2016 Mary left Bake Off before it moved to Channel 4, as did hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, but Paul stayed. Mary hinted she now finds its level of baking too professional.
She said: “We are totally different from Bake Off because it is all about cakes and baking and it has got quite complicated, with all sorts of equipment to ice, flavour and colour, and very intricate.
“Home cooking is totally different so this will appeal to different people, as well as maybe people who like Bake Off, because, after all, we have got to eat some wonderful family meals.
“I can’t tell you how excited I was as I’ve always done real home cooking.”
Mary hopes the eight-week series, starting tonight with 10 cooks, encourages more families to eat together. She said: “The more families sit down and don’t have food on the hoof, even one night a week... it’s the time I get with my family, particularly my own children and grandchildren.
“It teaches them new foods, and it’s the social side of it. It’s an important part of life that we mustn’t lose.”
Britain’s Best Home Cook starts tonight on BBC1 at 8pm.