Dame Mary Berry, the beloved television personality and culinary expert, celebrated a remarkable milestone on March 24, 2025, as she marked her 90th birthday with an overwhelming outpour of affection from friends, colleagues, and fans alike. The special episode of the BBC’s The One Show dedicated to her life and contributions delivered laughter, tears, and lots of cake.
During this heartfelt tribute, her former colleagues from The Great British Bake Off reminisced about their time together, emphasizing the fun-filled atmosphere that characterized their years on the show. Among the memories shared, one particularly mischievous incident stood out: Berry recalled the day she played a lighthearted prank on her co-host, Paul Hollywood, by scrawling the words "Mary woz 'ere" on his luxury car using a permanent marker. The prank became a cherished anecdote, with Sue Perkins, who co-hosted the Bake Off alongside Berry, jovially recalling, "There were endless pranks, do you remember Mary?" This delightful story not only highlighted the camaraderie between the team but also illustrated Berry’s cheeky sense of humor.
As stars gathered to celebrate her birthday, one video message captivated the audience and Mary herself: a heartfelt birthday wish from Prince William. In the pre-recorded message aired during The One Show, the Prince expressed, “Hi Mary. I want to wish you a very happy 90th birthday. You are a true national treasure and we’ve loved working with you over the years. Have a fantastic day today. I dread to think who’s cooking your cake and the criticism they might get, but good luck and I hope it goes really well.” This remark elicited laughter and a few tears from Berry, showing just how much she valued his kind words. Alex Jones, who co-hosts The One Show, remarked, "There were tears before we’d even started… honestly she was blown away," reflecting the emotional impact of William's tribute.
In addition to the royal greetings, other notable personalities including Joanna Lumley, Jamie Oliver, and Andi Oliver sent their best wishes to Berry, further underscoring her standing as a beloved figure in British culture. Joanna Lumley noted admiringly, "Happy 90th birthday darling Dame Mary Berry… you are literally the most beautiful woman on the planet… I think you’re absolutely fabulous. Cheers sweetie!” While Oliver expressed his homage through social media, calling Berry a “true inspiration” and encouraging fans to shower her with love on her special day. Throughout her illustrious career, Berry has authored over 80 cookbooks and was honored as a Dame Commander in 2021, a testament to her significant contributions to cooking and literature.
The One Show’s celebration took a festive turn with the appearance of several familiar faces from Berry’s past. Claudia Winkleman was another guest who joined the birthday festivities, alongside Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Jones called the episode “a lovely chance to celebrate a true icon,” emphasizing Berry’s influence not only in culinary circles but also as a cultural figure. The warmth and nostalgia in the studio captured the essence of Berry’s impact, creating a magical atmosphere filled with laughter and reflection.
Among the highlights of the evening was a cake baked by fellow chef and judge Monica Galetti, which added to the celebratory spirit of the event. Notably, Berry herself received the cake with a mixture of joy and humor, embodying the spirit she is known for throughout her career. A musical tribute featuring Michael Ball and the BBC singers rounded out the evening, delivering a performance that was personalized for Berry, complete with lyrics that paid homage to her vast legacy.
The episode also served as a reminder of Berry’s lasting influence on the culinary landscape since her departure from the Bake Off in 2016, when the series transitioned from the BBC to Channel 4. Her ability to make cooking accessible and enjoyable has left an indelible mark on British households. Berry is perceived not just as a cook but as a mentor to countless home chefs across the UK.
In reflecting on the special edition of The One Show, Alex Jones stated, "This programme is utterly magical, the love for Mary in this special edition of The One Show is simply beautiful.” As she continues to inspire a new generation of cooks, Berry’s contributions to television and literacy in cooking are appreciated by her devoted fanbase.
As she embraces her 90s, Mary Berry has entered into the social media sphere, launching her Instagram account, much to the delight of her fans who cherish their connection with the chef beyond the kitchen. Berry has been an enduring presence in the world of cooking, teaching and entertaining millions with her warmth and wisdom.
In conclusion, Dame Mary Berry’s 90th birthday was not only a celebration of her life but a testament to how deeply she is cherished by those who know her and those who have been inspired by her over the years. As the extended version of her adventures aired on BBC iPlayer, viewers could continue to share in the joy and inspiration that Berry has imparted, affirming her status as a true national treasure.
