Dame Mary Berry has expressed her profound gratitude upon being awarded the Bafta fellowship at the annual television awards ceremony. The 91-year-old television cook and former judge on the Great British Bake Off described herself as 'immensely honoured' to receive the Academy's highest accolade, which recognises her exceptional contribution to the world of television.
Speaking to Bafta red carpet host Roman Kemp upon her arrival at the event, Dame Mary remarked: 'I always think about directors and actors and actresses getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured. I'm immensely honoured to join those wonderful people who already won it, it's amazing.'
Reflecting on her extensive career in television, she recalled her early days: 'I started off on Collector's World, in Bristol. I had to make cow's udder pie and all sorts of Victorian dishes and I didn't really enjoy that and I moved onto other things.' She added: 'In Bake Off I wanted to get everyone baking and cooking and I think I was quite kind.'
Dame Mary is set to reunite with former Bake Off presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins at the ceremony, and she shared her excitement: 'I'm so excited. It makes me drop my shoulders and enjoy it, because we've done so much together and it's always fun.' When asked whether she would be staying out late with them at the after party, she replied: 'Maybe. We will see.'
The awards ceremony, which celebrates the best in British television, will also see finance expert Martin Lewis presented with a special award for his television work aimed at transforming the nation's approach to personal finance. The hit series Adolescence is tipped to triumph following a headline-making year, having sparked a national conversation about online safety. It is nominated for several awards, including best limited drama, and has already won two Bafta craft awards for directing and sound.
Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip noted that this has been a 'particularly strong year' for television. Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the event at the Royal Festival Hall in London, she said: 'This is the last awards of the season for Bafta, and it pretty much closes the awards season itself, so it always feels really celebratory.' She praised the past year of television for delivering 'really stand-out water cooler moments', citing examples such as Adolescence, Celebrity Traitors, Amandaland, and Last One Laughing. 'They are all really powerful shows in their own right, and I think it's an amazing platform for British talent. The awards are not only recognising great work and excellence, but also shine a light on that talent. Hopefully it will inspire the talents of the future.'
The ceremony, hosted by Taskmaster star Greg Davies, will be broadcast on BBC One at 7pm.
