Fans rally around Mary Berry, 91, after on-stage appearance

The legendary cook was a judge on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off between 2010 and 2016 before it left for Channel 4.

She has lived in Henley, in the south of Oxfordshire, with her husband, Paul Hunnings, since 2019.

The cook, 91, received the Academy’s highest honour for her exceptional contribution to television on Sunday.

Dame Mary Berry holding her BAFTA award (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Speaking to Bafta red carpet host Roman Kemp as she arrived at the ceremony, she said of the fellowship: “I always think about directors and actors and actresses getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured.

“I’m immensely honoured to join those wonderful people who already won it, it’s amazing.”

On stage, she added a thank you for her late son William, who died in a car crash in 1989.

The TV legend said: “William is in heaven, but I thank him [too].”

Fans have rallied around Dame Mary following her award.

One said on social media: “Mary Berry at the BAFTAs speaking about her son was exactly the kind of moment telly needs more of. Real, devastating, human. That’s what made it powerful.”

Another said: “Congratulations, so happy for Dame Mary Berry. She is such a Queen and so well deserved.”

READ MORE: David Cameron’s new hobby revealed after major life change

While a third added: “Love the friendship between Mel, Sue and Mary Berry. It was wonderful to see Mary win the fellowship award. Truly a national treasure.”

Dame Mary began her television career on Collector’s World in Bristol, where she prepared Victorian-era dishes.

She said: “I started off on Collector’s World, in Bristol.

“I had to make cow’s udder pie and all sorts of Victorian dishes, and I didn’t really enjoy that, and I moved on to other things.”

She added: “In Bake Off, I wanted to get everyone baking and cooking, and I think I was quite kind.”