Mary Berry's new cooking show is 'kinder' than Great British Bake Off

3 May 2018

Mary Berry's new cooking show will be "kinder" to contestants than the 'Great British Bake Off'.

Mary Berry

The 83-year-old culinary queen will be back on screens tonight (03.05.18) with her new series 'Britain's Best Home Cook' on BBC One following her decision to step down as a judge on 'GBBO' two years ago when the rights to the programme were snatched by Channel 4.

But, although the two shows have similar formats, Mary is adamant her series is very different from its rival - known for its harsh criticism and blunt remarks - because there will be less tears.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she said: "Yes, the judging certainly is different. We wanted to avoid tears. All three [her and the other two judges] of us encouraged people and told them where they went wrong, and said: 'Next time do it like this'. This will help the viewer."

'Britain's Best Home Cook - just like '... Bake Off' - will see contestants take part in a series of challenges each week before one of them will be sent home based on their final product.

But Mary - who will co-judge alongside chef Dan Doherty and produce importer Chris Bavin - didn't want to humiliate the contestants and wanted her remarks to help them improve.

She explained: "It was quite different. I've spent seven series on '...Bake Off' and so it was very refreshing. I couldn't have chosen two people more knowledgeable in their fields.

"I haven't changed my principles of judging. I want to get the best out of people and encourage them if they've made a bit of a cock-up. We don't want people to be upset but ready for their next challenge.

"We are totally different from 'Bake Off' because it is all about cakes and baking and it has got quite complicated, with all sorts of equipment to ice, flavour and colour, and very intricate.

"Home cooking is totally different so this will appeal to different people, as well as maybe people who like 'Bake Off', because, after all, we have got to eat some wonderful family meals. I can't tell you how excited I was as I've always done real home cooking."

Mary and hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins walked away from the 'GBBO' in 2016 after the BBC lost the rights to air the show, while her co-judge Paul Hollywood decided to stay and work alongside Channel 4 which, in turn, caused uproar among fans.