Mary Berry DBE: The Fellowship 2026

One of the nation’s favourite TV cooks – Mary Berry DBE, has been named as this year’s BAFTA Television Fellow. Berry, who has been a familiar face on TV screens across the country since the 70s, says she “couldn’t believe it” when she was told she was being honoured “for just doing what I love”.

Over several decades Berry has been teaching people how to cook at home, even inspiring a whole new generation to get in the kitchen and experiment as one of the original judges of The Great British Bake Off (GBBO). Reflecting on her early career Berry says: “I wanted to inspire people not just to watch but to cook it at home and I took my job seriously and wanted to do my very best.” Clearly, it’s an ambition that has stayed with her through the years as she adds: “My aim [on the GBBO] was to encourage families baking at home, and it reached all the generations.”

Reflecting on her early days of appearing on television Berry admits: “I was nervous but I thought grasp the nettle and get on with it”, adding “I would remind myself; it’s just like having someone in my kitchen at home.” And despite the initial nerves her love of teaching people in a format that works for them, and in the comfort of their own homes, has kept her coming back for more. She says: “some of my fondest memories haven’t even been in the kitchen – I’ve had the opportunity to meet some inspiring people and take on some exciting challenges, and I feel that even now I still love the chance to try something new.”

As someone who has turned their passion for cooking into not just a successful career, but one that has brought huge amounts of joy worldwide, what is Berry’s secret ingredient for success? “Take every opportunity you are given, do your research and go the extra mile, and be kind and honest to everyone”, she says.

This is advice Berry has followed herself over the years and has seen her take the helm at shows including GBBO and Mary Berry Cooks, as well as various special’s like A Berry Royal Christmas – the 2019 one hour BBC show featuring current BAFTA President HRH The Prince of Wales and his wife Catherine. And that is not all, because the cooking whizz suggests there may be even more to come, saying: “ever since Bake Off, the BBC have taken such great care of me and given me so many different opportunities… I am always ready for the next challenge!”

• See who else received awards at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards with P&O Cruises

Awarded every year by the Academy, the BAFTA Fellowship is the highest accolade given to an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or TV. Previous Fellows include Elizabeth Taylor, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench. Plus last year’s Warwick Davis, Yoko Shimomura and Kirsty Wark.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories.

See a full list of previous BAFTA Fellows.