Mary Berry outrage: Pushed out for Prue Leith!
As Prue Leith is tipped to take up a judging role on Bake Off, we ask original kitchen queen Mary Berry about her new show…
When The Great British Bake Off moves to its new Channel 4 home later this year, Paul Hollywood, 50, is rumoured to have a new sidekick in the form of veteran chef and writer Prue Leith. At 77, the South African-born cookery queen, who has lived most of her life in London, is slightly older than Mary Berry was when she started on Bake Off in 2010, and bosses are hoping she will be a ‘like for like’ replacement. But she’ll have big shoes to fill. With Mary launching a new cookery show, can there be room for more than one royal baker? We catch up with Mary to ask her about her new show and, unsurprisingly for such a lady, she uttered not one word about her potential new rival...
Did you have fun filming your new BBC Two show, Mary Berry Everyday?
It was marvellous, and my favourite thing was my trip to Scotland, where my mother came from. We were in the Highlands and it was a bit wet but, you know, you just have to dress accordingly. And I love encouraging people to cook at home, which is what the show is about. I don’t mind people taking short cuts, but it’s important to have a go.
You’re 81 now. Have you ever experienced age discrimination?
None whatsoever. No one has ever suggested that I change the way I look. They accept me for what I am.
And you look great – you’ve even got a reputation as a fashion icon…
Well, I do my best! I like things that are cheerful and warm and not too dowdy when you’re older. I don’t get any free clothes, though – we’re not allowed to at the BBC. If I do get anything sent in that I like, I have to send it back, although I might then go out and buy it.
Why do you think people love Bake Off so much?
I think the fun thing about it is the wonderful format. The BBC snapped it up and it got bigger and bigger, because it was the right format and they were very good at choosing bakers [to compete]. Mel and Sue, Paul and me – we were a team. We got on well, and we got everyone baking, which is marvellous.
Are you a little bit sad that you’re no longer part of it?
I’m not sad. We did seven brilliant series, but I didn’t want to go to Channel 4. I am quite happy with the BBC – they have looked after me and I am very happy to stay. Paul is going to be very busy with the new show, and
I am sure he will do very well.
Do you think you will work with Mel [Giedroyc, 48] and Sue [Perkins, 47] again?
I hope so. We’re all BBC, so we should do. We’ve got some thoughts, so we shall have to see. Whatever we do, we try and do well. Mel and Sue are very bright – they are both a joy to work with. I don’t mind if they try and make me giggle. I don’t mind a bit of giggling!
Who else do you like on TV?
I really like Graham Norton. I love going on his show – everyone has a wonderful time. I’ve been watching Let It Shine as well, as I want to see Mel [who hosts the Take That talent show], but I’m not really a watcher of those things. I like things with a story, like Downton Abbey or Call The Midwife. I do like Strictly, but I’d never go on the show. I’ve been asked, but I am rubbish at dancing.
Would you like to have your own chat show?
Certainly not. It’s the last thing in the world I would do. They wouldn’t ask me, anyway. If they did, I’d definitely say no.
Do you think people are scared to cook for you?
No, not at all. My beautiful grandchildren love cooking for the family. And good friends don’t get worried – they just do their favourite dishes. It’s much more important to be with your friends. If someone wants to go to M&S and buy two lasagnes, put them in their own dish and put some cheese on top, it doesn’t worry me. I want to see them – I’m not worried about what they’re feeding me.
Mary Berry Everyday starts on Monday 27 February, BBC Two, 8.30pm. Mary’s accompanying book is available now (BBC Books, £26).