“A proposal I’ll never forget!” Dame Mary Berry, renowned TV icon and beloved judge of The Great British Bake Off, is set to be honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to television. But as she prepares to accept this monumental award, it’s her 59-year marriage to Paul Hunnings that has truly shaped her life and career.
A Love Story With A Twist
At 90 years old, Mary has lived a life filled with success and accolades, but it’s her family and enduring love for her husband, Paul, that she cherishes most. The couple, who have been happily married for nearly six decades, still reminisce about their early days together, including Paul’s somewhat unconventional marriage proposal.
In a candid conversation on her BBC show Mary Berry Everyday, Mary recalled the first time Paul popped the question in 1966 — and let’s just say, it wasn’t exactly a smooth proposal. “I do remember the first proposal, and I think you were drunk,” Mary said, laughing at the memory.
Paul, ever the good sport, responded with a smile, admitting, “Well, I might have been. It’s a big step. You don’t go into something like that without a bit of fortification.”
But the proposal wasn’t quite over yet. “I think you had too much, and I can remember telling you, ‘You’re drunk!’” Mary continued. “I was thinking, ‘I’m not going to have anything to do with this man.’ But you came back.”
The third time was the charm, as Paul made it clear this would be his final attempt: “I’m getting on in age, so either it’s yes or no.” And that, it seems, was the moment that sealed the deal. The couple tied the knot in a quaint church near Mary’s family home in Bath, with Mary revealing that her wedding dress cost just £5 and she even baked her own wedding cake!
A Family Legacy of Food and Love
Their love story has blossomed over the years, and Mary’s daughter, Annabel, has followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a chef. Together, they’ve ventured into the business world, creating a range of salad dressings, chutneys, and sauces that have delighted food lovers everywhere.
However, life has not been without its challenges. In a heartfelt interview with Yours Magazine, Mary spoke of Paul’s health struggles, revealing that while he’s “terribly frail,” he is “very cherished and well looked after.” As Mary lovingly prepares meals for him, she shared a tender moment: “Just as I was leaving, I gave him a little plate of smoked salmon, a wedge of lemon, and I cut the crusts off the bread.”
Mary added with a twinkle in her eye, “And though he doesn’t have a drink with it, I’ll do the drinking when I get in.”
The Secret to Mary’s Longevity?
At 90, Mary credits her good health to her disciplined approach to food and living. “I eat what I enjoy, but I eat very carefully,” she said, revealing that while she enjoys her meals, she’s always mindful of portion sizes. Meanwhile, Paul’s love for biscuits remains a charming staple of their long-lasting relationship.
Looking Back on 59 Years Together
As Dame Mary Berry prepares to accept her BAFTA Fellowship, it’s clear that her greatest achievements lie not just in her career, but in the love and memories she’s built with Paul over nearly six decades of marriage. And while she continues to dazzle the world with her culinary expertise and television brilliance, Mary knows that it’s her family that truly defines her legacy.
