Queen’s birthday honours: Mary Berry says she is ‘overwhelmed’ to be made a Dame

‘I just wish my parents and brothers were here to share my joy,’ celebrity chef says

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Mary Berry has said she feels “overwhelmed” to be made a Dame in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

The Queen releases an honours list twice a year – once at New Year and then later to mark her official birthday.

Having gained widespread fame as a former judge on The Great British Bake Off, Berry says she feels “lucky” to have been able to teach others how to cook throughout her career.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed to receive this great honour,” the 85-year-old said.

“For most of my life I have been lucky enough to follow my passion to teach cookery through books and the media.”

Berry said that she wished her parents and her brothers were around to join in the celebrations, “as my only achievement at school was just one O-level in cookery”.

"However, I am sure they are looking down and smiling. I will celebrate with my husband and family very soon,” she added.

Berry became a judge on The Great British Bake Off in the first season of the show in 2010 alongside fellow celebrity chef Paul Hollywood.

In 2016, following the announcement that the popular baking competition was moving from the BBC to Channel 4, Berry announced her decision to step down from the show.

“My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision,” she said at the time.

“I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it. Farewell to soggy bottoms.”

Berry has since appeared as a judge on BBC programme Britain’s Best Home Cook, in addition to starring on culinary television shows including Classic Mary Berry and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts.

The television presenter studied at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. She went on to become food editor of Housewife magazine in 1966 and food editor of Ideal Home magazine from 1970 to 1973.

She has published more than 75 cookbooks throughout her career, earning accolades including a lifetime achievement award from the Guild of Food Writers in 2009 and a National Television Award in 2017 for her role on The Great British Bake Off.

In 2012, Berry was made a CBE for services to culinary arts.

She once described meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as her “greatest memory”.