Mary Berry has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her son William, revealing how his death became a turning point in both her life and career.
The former Great British Bake Off judge, now 91, lost William in 1989 when he was just 19. He died in a car accident while home from Bristol University, a tragedy that Mary has carried with her for nearly four decades.
Speaking on the Happy Place podcast, the beloved TV cook admitted that after William’s death, she struggled with the idea of returning to work in London. Instead, she wanted to stay close to her husband Paul and their family.
That grief eventually led her to begin teaching cooking from home.
Mary explained that she started Aga cooking classes after realising she knew more about the traditional cooker than most people. With the help of Lucy Young, she ran the sessions for 12 years, personally taking part in every class.
She said the work gave her a reason to keep going.
“It kept me busy,” Mary shared, adding that having her husband and other children around her helped her through the darkest period.
Mary also revealed how her family continues to keep William’s memory alive. Every Christmas, they raise a glass to him, while her grandchildren — though they never met him — know stories about his love of sport and his place in the family.
The TV icon said she believes talking about loved ones who have died can bring comfort, rather than pain.
“There’s no rule with grief at all,” she said, explaining that she still finds joy when people remember William kindly.
Earlier this year, Mary paid another emotional tribute to her son while receiving the BAFTA Fellowship, the academy’s highest honour.
Thanking her husband Paul and children Annabel and Thomas, she added simply: “William is in heaven, but I thank him.”
