Mary Berry at 90: A Culinary Icon’s Remarkable Milestone Year

Introduction: A Beloved British Culinary Legend

Dame Mary Berry, the beloved British baking icon, continues to captivate audiences as she celebrates a remarkable milestone—her 90th birthday. On Monday 24th March, she celebrated her 90th birthday, and will be further marking the occasion with a special new cookbook and television specials. With over 70 cookbooks, several hit cookery series on TV, a six-year stint as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, and a Damehood, Mary Berry remains an influential figure in British culinary culture, inspiring generations of home cooks with her accessible approach to baking and cooking.

New Book and Television Celebrations

To commemorate her 90th birthday, Mary’s latest book is Mary 90 and will be published 9th October 2025, celebrating Mary’s 90th Birthday and 90 of her best recipes. The cookbook showcases her most beloved recipes from a career spanning nearly six decades. Additionally, Mary Berry is taking a fascinating look back at her career in food, inspiring her to bring viewers new and exciting recipes in a special six-part series on iPlayer and BBC Two called A Lifetime of Cooking. This series offers fans an intimate glimpse into her culinary journey and the recipes that have defined her legendary career.

Festive Television Specials

The Christmas season has also seen Mary Berry share her culinary expertise with viewers. A Mary Berry Christmas airs Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at 9:00pm on BBC One, featuring celebrity guests including actor Alison Steadman, Gladiators star and Commonwealth sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and presenter Zoe Ball. The special showcases festive recipes and holiday traditions, demonstrating Mary’s enduring ability to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for all.

Passing the Garden Torch

In a significant change this year, Dame Mary Berry will step down as president, a position she’s held since 2016, passing the torch to renowned gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh. “My husband Paul and I have opened our own garden for the charity for over 20 years,” Dame Mary said, noting she “witnessed firsthand the scheme’s extraordinary impact”. Her decade of service coincided with crucial periods, including supporting mental health during the pandemic through garden visits.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy

Mary Berry’s 90th birthday year exemplifies her remarkable staying power in British popular culture. From publishing her 90th-birthday cookbook to presenting new television specials and gracefully transitioning from her National Garden Scheme presidency, Dame Mary continues to demonstrate why she remains a cherished national treasure. Her dedication to making cooking approachable, combined with her warmth and genuine expertise, ensures that her influence on British culinary tradition will endure for generations to come. As she embarks on this new decade, Mary Berry shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to inspire home cooks across the nation.