Dame Mary Berry will receive the highest honour at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards 2026 as she wins the BAFTA Fellowship.

The award is the Academy's highest honour, recognising an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television. 

The award will be presented to her at the ceremony on May 10 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. 

Mary, 90, who is best known for her role on The Great British Bake Off, kicked-started her career in the 1970s and has been a firm favourite ever since. 

Dame Mary Berry DBE, said: 'I couldn’t believe it was true, what a huge honour to be presented with the BAFTA Fellowship. 

'For over 50 years, I have enjoyed every moment of teaching my passion on television and I thank all the generous professionals along the way who have given me guidance and support - and I am still learning. This amazing BAFTA Fellowship is the icing on the cake!' 

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: 'Dame Mary Berry is a singular talent whose warmth, craft and generosity have helped shape the very best of British television. 

'Mary Berry for more than 60 years has informed, inspired and entertained audiences, setting a new benchmark for factual entertainment, proving that expertise and empathy can draw huge audiences in primetime. 

'The BAFTA Fellowship is our highest honour, and we’re proud to celebrate Mary’s extraordinary legacy at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises.' 

After debuting on the BBC, Bake Off switched to Channel 4 in 2017 and has gone on to attract record-breaking audiences. Its eleventh series in 2020 drew the biggest audience for a Channel 4 series in 35 years.

From the start, the heart of the show has been its judges. The original duo of Mary and Paul Hollywood won the nation's affection. 

When Mary stepped down in 2016, she was replaced by Prue Leith, who remains a stalwart of the tent alongside Paul.

Over the years, Bake Off has spawned a string of spin-offs including Celebrity Bake Off for charity, Junior Bake Off, Bake Off: The Professionals and after-show An Extra Slice. 

It has also inspired international versions as well as BBC favourites The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throw Down.

Since stepping down from the TV show Mary has raked in millions from TV shows, books deals and cookery products. 

Her loyalty in remaining with the BBC has certainly paid off, with Mary fronting a number of shows for the station including Mary Berry’s Simple Home Comforts, Mary Berry Everyday and Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets.

She was also a judge on Britain's Best Home Cook and fronted her own festive special Mary Berry Saves Christmas. 

Mary has produced a number of cook books and a gardening book since her Bake Off days, as well as launching a range of cakes and an app called In Mary We Trust.