A television food writer and cookbook author will appear at an Oxfordshire literary event before assuming her role as a judge on a popular baking programme.

The individual, aged 66, was announced as the successor to an existing judge in January.

She studied at Lady Margaret Hall, an Oxford college, where she pursued Modern Languages and contributed to the student publication Isis.

Her academic journey concluded in 1979.

In 2018, the institution displayed her portrait to motivate current students.

The upcoming appearance will occur at the Henley Literary Festival, marking its 20th anniversary in 2026.

The event runs from October 2 to October 11 in Henley, Oxfordshire, a town also associated with another baking programme personality.

She will make her debut during the opening evening on October 2.

During a January interview on a morning television programme, the culinary personality discussed her upcoming role.

She acknowledged feeling nervous about the new position while also expressing genuine enthusiasm.

She emphasised that the programme itself holds significant cultural importance and that contestants remain the focal point.

Her stated intention was simply to participate and contribute to the established format.

The author joked about her own lack of dexterity, suggesting she hoped not to cause any accidents involving contestants’ finished dishes during filming.

A celebrated children’s author, recognised as Britain’s most successful writer, will deliver the closing event on October 11.

This appearance marks her return to the festival for the first time since its inaugural year.