A biography for Mary Berryhasn’t been written yet.
“I don't like tattoos because tattoos are forever.”
“Looking back, I don't feel that I was the most brilliant mother. I was always very good at giving my children the right food, but it was one of my regrets in life that I didn't spend more time listening to them or playing with them.”
“A lot of other reality shows on television can be bullying and aggressive, but we wanted 'The Bake Off' to be an antidote to that.”
“I know people think I invented the Victoria sandwich, but I'm really not that old.”
“I would serve a selection of cakes, scones, and small sandwiches for afternoon tea. High tea is usually served between 5 P.M. and 6 P.M., replacing an evening meal - it is more substantial.”
“While we're filming 'Bake Off,' I can get really cold, so I'm often holding a hot-water bottle or layered up under an anorak and a warm hat.”
“Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a small slice.”
“It helps to have a happy home life to keep up alongside your career.”
“Family life is fragmenting in this modern age, but it's up to all of us to keep it together.”
“I have no desire to be a centenarian. I think 90 is a great time. You've had a good innings. You have to deal with the cards that have been dealt, of course, but I don't think very old age, if you haven't got your marbles, can be very nice.”
“What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of seven years of magic in a tent - 'The Great British Bake Off.'”
“It is something you can't predict, and it is the huge sadness in your life, losing a child.”
“I don't go to fancy Michelin-starred restaurants often.”
“I won't do 'Strictly' or any of those ghastly reality programmes. 'I'm a Celebrity' would be the end. It makes me shudder.”
“I admire my fellow judge Paul Hollywood enormously, though we often argue. He believes presentation and uniformity are paramount; I'm more interested in taste. I don't mind if one bun is smaller than the others, or if there's a little pastry cracking, though I don't want a soggy bottom.”
“I hope that I dress for my age. Because there's no need to be dowdy, is there? But I don't go with all the colours that everybody is wearing. I'm not very fond of lime green or orange, so I don't do that. I read all the fashion magazines, but most things are totally unsuitable for somebody of 79.”
“My husband is not in the slightest bit domesticated, but as the years go, by he's getting better. He can make an excellent omelette.”
“Oh, I'd never put my elbows on the table.”
“I've always collected vintage kitchenalia because it's beautifully made, and I love to see things that have been used down the ages.”
“When our William was killed, there wasn't a child bereavement charity. I was extremely blessed with a very close family, wonderful friends, a supportive husband, and two further children.”