Bake Off’s Mary Berry: ‘Everyone should follow their dreams’
As the The Great British Bake Off start on Wednesday August 24 for its seventh series, we look back at healthy‘s interview with judge and much-loved national treasure, Bake Off‘s Mary Berry.
She may have a cookery, publishing and TV career spanning more than 50 years, and no fewer than 70 cookbooks to her credit, but it’s the unprecedented and surprising success of The Great British Bake Off that’s made her a household name – even in households where, ahem, there may not be much baking going on.
READ MORE: How to make free-from blueberry cheesecake
Mary Berry’s no-nonsense recipes, firm-but-fair manner and tireless work ethic mean we’ve taken her to our hearts. After all, no one can deliver a verdict of a ‘soggy bottom’ with quite the same kindly authority.
healthy interviews The Great British Bake Off‘s Mary Berry
You’ve been married to Paul [Hunnings, a retired antique books dealer] for 48 years. What’s the secret to a happy marriage?
I think it’s having respect for each other. We’re calm and we enjoy doing things together – it’s a life of sharing. I couldn’t bear to be without Paul. I hate going home to an empty house.
You were about to retire (at 74) when you were offered the chance to become a judge on what’s become a massively successful show, The Great British Bake Off. Do you think you’ve paved the way for others to follow their dreams and become a success, whatever their age?
Well, I think everyone should follow their dreams, and you’ve got more time to do it at this stage of life. You’ve certainly got to keep active.
What advice would you give to readers who are contemplating retirement, but are worried they’ll lose their purpose in life?
I think you should take retirement seriously. If you just sit back, you’ll have a very unhappy time. You’ve got to take up a sport, help with a charity. Plan for your retirement. The best form of keeping active is walking. If you possibly can, get out there in the fresh air, go and help people, be part of your village or your area, and look after your neighbours. Don’t just watch TV!
You’ve had an amazing career, writing 70 cookery books, running a cookery school and presenting several TV shows. What’s been the highlight for you?
I’m enjoying where I am right now. I think this has to be the highlight of my career. The Great British Bake Off has been so amazing for me personally – it’s given me a whole new lease of life. Getting my autobiography written was also a huge achievement for me. So it has to be now. I’m loving my life and to have this opportunity at this stage of my career is wonderful. I’m so lucky.
You had a career at a time when not many mothers worked [Mary has brought up three children, Thomas, Annabel and William, who died in a car crash aged 19]. What advice would you give other working mums?
For working mothers, it’s just a matter of organisation. You do feel guilty. I always found getting up really early helps with the organisation, and so does writing lists. I had lots of good friends to help me with the children, but it was a difficult time.
You’re always so full of energy. How do you stay well?
I have a balanced diet, and eating well means my body is full of the things it needs to keep me healthy and give me energy. I love to be on the go, so it’s something I’m very conscious of, and I play tennis, too, which helps to keep me fit.
How do you relax? And how much sleep do you get?
I don’t sleep frightfully well, but I’m in bed for seven hours. To relax, I go walking, I play tennis, I see my friends, I have people in for meals, I go out for meals… it’s lovely.
You were seriously ill with polio as a child – now you look the picture of health. Do you suffer with any ailments?
Nothing too serious, thankfully. I know that I’m lucky to be so fit and healthy at my age. Many of my friends and peers are not so fortunate, so I appreciate the fact that I’m in good shape. Good genes are also a big part of that, I think.
Despite your job, and being surrounded by cakes and goodies all the time, you manage to stay slim. What’s your best slimming secret and what types of healthy foods do you enjoy at home?
I don’t have a slimming secret, as such – I think the key is just to enjoy everything in moderation. If I’ve eaten lots of cakes one day, I’m fairly frugal and sensible the next day, and it’ll be salads and soups.
Your style has evolved over the years, from your former twinsets and pearls to your present day look of chic blazers and bright scarves. What brought about your change of style, and do you encourage other women of your generation to embrace fashion?
I think it’s very funny that people are nice about the things I wear. I’d never have thought of myself as a fashion icon before everybody started telling me I was one! But it’s very nice that they do. People should just wear what they want to, as long as it suits them and doesn’t look too young. I only wear things that I think suit my shape and age. I wouldn’t wear anything too short or low-cut.
What’s next for you? Are there any goals you haven’t achieved yet?
I know just how lucky I am to be enjoying the success I have at the moment, and at this stage of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for that. So I just want to carry on with Bake Off, because I absolutely love it. The team who work on the show are like family to me, and I want to continue with that for as long as I can.
The Great British Bake Off starts this Wednesday August 24 on BBC One.
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