Mary Berry will judge a new cooking show on the BBC next year.

Mary Berry

Mary Berry

The 82-year-old culinary queen shocked the nation last year when she announced she was stepping down from her judging role on the 'Great British Bake Off' after the rights to the format were snatched by Channel 4, but it won't be long before she's back on screens as she's agreed to front forthcoming eight-part series 'Britain's Best Cook'.

A spokesperson for the BBC told the Radio Times magazine: "At a time when British cooking has never been more varied, inspiring or of such high quality, this series will test the real-life expertise of truly great home cooks and will celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day. Returning to her first love, with more than 75 cookery books to her name, Mary Berry's authority in the home kitchen is beyond question and she is the natural choice for the lead judge."

Bosses are aiming to secure another judge to join Mary, while Claudia Winkleman has jumped on board to host the show, and the pair can't wait to get stuck in to filming.

Mary said: "I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. This series is going to encourage proper home cooking which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake."

Claudia - who presents 'Strictly Come Dancing' - added: "I am over the moon to be part of this show. Am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance."

The show will "test the real-life expertise of truly great home cooks" as amateur chefs are pitted against each other while they show the nation the different dishes they make their loved ones in the kitchen every single day.

Meanwhile, the future of the 'Great British Bake Off', which used to be screened on the BBC, is currently up in the air as Channel 4 bosses have decided to replace Mary with Prue Leith following the cooking queen's decision to quit out of loyalty to the BBC.

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