Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking features her looking back on how cooking has evolved since she began her career in the 1960s.
At 90 years old, Dame Mary Berry continues to cook and write while taking a heartfelt look back at her remarkable career in food. Her reflections have inspired a special six-part series, Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking, available on BBC Two and iPlayer, where she shares new and exciting recipes alongside stories from her six decades in the kitchen.
Produced by Sidney Street, the series captures Mary as she explores how cooking has evolved since she first began in the 1960s. She’s joined by a mix of familiar friends and fresh faces, inviting them to cook some of her favourite dishes while reminiscing over moments from her long and beloved career, illustrated through her personal archives and rare footage.
Alongside revisiting her most iconic creations, Mary breathes new life into old classics and unveils original recipes showing that even at 90, she’s still eager to experiment and inspire others to do the same.
Each episode features a special guest, including gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh, who confesses he’s never baked a cake; broadcaster and close friend Alex Jones, a keen but nervous cook; sports presenter Gabby Logan, seeking quick and easy meal ideas; world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver, a fellow champion of “simple and delicious” family food; actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, a cocktail lover learning to host meals; and comedian Tom Allen, who joins Mary for a lively boat trip celebrating their shared love of outdoor dining.
Reflecting on her journey, Mary says:
“I can’t quite believe I’ve been cooking for 60 years. Looking back through the archives, it feels like the time has flown by. I’ve loved every moment and still do.
This series has been a real joy to make, a wonderful trip down memory lane shared with dear friends and, of course, the viewers. I’ve included some of my favourite recipes a mix of old favourites, new twists, and exciting creations I hope will inspire people to cook at home.”
Commissioning Editor Ricky Cooper describes the show as a “truly special series,” celebrating Mary’s extraordinary career and her enduring impact on home cooking. “Audiences across the UK will relish both the nostalgia and the new recipes cooked with love alongside some of the nation’s best-known faces,” he adds.
Executive Producer Karen Ross of Sidney Street calls the series “a joy and a privilege” to make. She praises Mary’s infectious passion, humour, and energy, noting that her early television moments show just how far food and Mary herself have come over the past 60 years.
Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking is a six-part, 30-minute series produced by Sidney Street (a Banijay UK company) for BBC Two and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning for Factual Entertainment and Events, with Ricky Cooper as Commissioning Editor. The production team includes Executive Producers Karen Ross and Kelly Sparks, Producer Grainne Hallinan, Series Director Sarah Myland, and Production Manager Rebecca Gilchrist.