WEDNESDAY

MARY BERRY’S COUNTRY HOUSE SECRETS BBC1, 8pm

Mary Berry, pictured left, is set to be reunited with her old Bake Off friends Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins for the festive special Mary, Mel and Sue’s Surprise Party, which sees the trio coming together to throw a bash for the regulars at a South Wales community centre.

But before that, Mary is hosting this new series, which sees her exploring some of the nation’s most beloved stately homes – and finding out more about the food that has been served there.

In the process, she will learn about life both upstairs and downstairs, meeting the house’s present-day custodians and the dedicated staff as she explores the kitchens, gardens and private rooms, many of which are usually off-limits to visitors.

And what she learns will inspire her to make her own special recipes, celebrating the heritage and legacy of the houses.

Mary Berry says: “I am so excited to be doing this new series with the BBC – I have always had an enquiring mind so I know I will be inspired by the great houses we visit.”

In this opening edition, Mary heads to Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which is home to the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is now most famous as the real-life Downton Abbey – it was the main location for the acclaimed period drama. However, it’s also renowned as a setting for some of the most lavish and influential weekend parties in history.

As well as learning more about the property’s illustrious past, Mary also discovers what it takes to keep such a grand home like this going in today’s world as she talks to the family, staff and the estate’s loyal group of gamekeepers.

Then Mary takes to the kitchen to prepare an elaborate menu for a grand finale dinner, including raspberry tartlets and a gamekeeper’s stew. Surely even Maggie Smith’s imperious dowager countess wouldn’t be able to find fault with that.