The celebrated culinary figurehead Dame Mary Berry has surprised audiences with an honest confession regarding the Great British Bake Off.

The television icon served as a judge during the programme’s tenure on the BBC between 2010 and 2016, before its switch to Channel 4.

She has lived in Henley, located in southern Oxfordshire, with her husband Paul Hunnings since 2019.

At 91 years old, she has now astounded followers by admitting she does not tune in to the programme at home.

She explained to PA Media that she believes it would not be fair to her husband, noting that they are constantly trialling recipes and discussing what might feature in upcoming books.

She added that asking her husband to watch a cooking programme in the evenings is unreasonable given how much he has already been exposed to through her work.

The baking show veteran stated she is a devoted viewer of BBC Gardeners’ World instead.

She expressed that nothing lifts her spirits more than Monty Don’s warm Friday greetings, delivered in his characteristic unhurried manner as he discusses current gardening activities and weekend recommendations.

Her position on Bake Off was later filled by Cotswolds resident Dame Prue Leith, who has now departed the popular programme.

With Dame Prue stepping down, Oxford University graduate and television chef Nigella Lawson is assuming the role.

The 66-year-old culinary personality is scheduled to visit Dame Mary’s home town later this year for the Henley Literary Festival.