Paul Hollywood's most memorable quotes about Mary Berry

The GBBO presenter he calls his 'second mum'

Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood (REX Features)

The Great British Bake Off, as we know it, will come to an end after the current series.

On Thursday, Mary Berry announced she is to leave the show when it moves to Channel 4 next year out of loyalty to the BBC. “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,” she said.

The beloved presenters of the hit sugar-filled show, Mel and Sue, will also leave having previously explained they are choosing not to go with “the dough”.

On the other hand, Paul Hollywood is to stay on as a judge. Following an official statement which did not mention Berry, the baker has now explained: “When I spoke about my news earlier on, I did not know what Mary was saying about her decision, and more importantly had not been able to speak to her.

“Let there be no doubt: I have loved every minute of my time working with Mary. I have learned so much from her and we are great friends inside and outside the tent. That will not change. Knowing her as well as I do, I am sure she has made the right decision for her. I will miss her.”

The judging duo have been a hit with audiences from the start due to their shared banter (viewers of last night’s episode will recall the 50-year-old calling Berry ‘Bezza’) and their frequent use of, perhaps accidental, innuendos.

Here’s a round-up of the most memorable things Hollywood has said about Berry:

“We think in sync. It’s good spooky. We always know exactly what we’re looking for. We’ve got closer and close. I never pass her house without calling her. I love her to pieces. It’s a sort of mother-son thing going on.” The Telegraph, 2014

“I’m probably the only one in the country who can get away with ribbing Mary like this,” The Observer, 2015.

“She’s very kind to the bakers. Probably too kind – she could do with toughening up a bit.” Radio Times, 2016

On what annoys him about her: “She can eat as much as she wants and doesn’t put weight on.” BBC Desert Island Discs

“Mary Berry has ironed a few of my shirts on the first series.” BBC

“She is like my Mother, she acts like my Mother and I do treat her like my Mum […] I’ve got a real soft spot, I really do genuinely love Mary she’s great.” BBC