Dame Mary Berry to Receive Bafta Fellowship: A Celebration of Culinary Excellence on Television
Renowned culinary figure Dame Mary Berry is set to be honored with the prestigious Bafta Fellowship for her remarkable contributions to television. The 91-year-old expressed her gratitude for the recognition, describing it as the "icing on the cake" and feeling overwhelmed by the news. She will be presented with the award at the upcoming Bafta Television Awards in May.
Dame Mary Berry, known for her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, expressed her disbelief and joy at being chosen for the Bafta Fellowship. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been credited with transforming the genre of competitive programming by emphasizing warmth and encouragement, leading to a resurgence in home baking and crafting a new standard for TV shows.
The Bafta Television Awards ceremony will be held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday, May 10, and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Dame Mary Berry expressed her gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the professionals who have supported and guided her throughout her television career. She described the Bafta Fellowship as the ultimate recognition for her passion and dedication to teaching cooking on TV.
Reflecting on her proudest TV moment, Dame Mary Berry mentioned filming a Christmas special, "A Berry Royal Christmas," with Prince William and Princess Catherine in 2019. The experience of cooking with the royal couple was filled with laughter and joy, and she appreciated their enthusiasm and effort in creating delicious roulades. Prince William had previously praised Dame Mary as a "true national treasure" in a special message for her 90th birthday in 2025.
Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip commended Dame Mary Berry for her exceptional talent, warmth, and generosity that have shaped British television. She highlighted Dame Mary's ability to combine expertise and empathy to engage audiences and set a high standard for factual entertainment. The Bafta Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by Bafta, aims to celebrate Dame Mary's remarkable legacy at this year's Television Awards.
Dame Mary Berry joins a prestigious list of previous Bafta Fellowship recipients, including Kirsty Wark, Sir Billy Connolly, Dame Joanna Lumley, and Sir David Attenborough. Her influence on television and the culinary world has been profound, making her a beloved figure in British entertainment. The Bafta Fellowship is a fitting tribute to her enduring impact and contributions to the industry.