Mary Berry left without a BBC show for first time in 12 years after cookery series is axed
WHEN Channel 4 pinched Bake Off from the Beeb, judge Mary Berry didn’t defect and was rewarded with another show.
But now bosses have confirmed Britain’s Best Home Cook, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has been axed after four years.
It means Dame Mary does not have a series on BBC One for the first time since 2009.
A TV insider said: “This will be a big disappointment to Mary, as this was a primetime alternative to Bake Off and saw her take another high-profile role.
“But it’s fair to say it never gained the same audience in a market already saturated with cookery programmes.
“Mary remains a much- loved figure among the public and is well respected among bosses at the Beeb.
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“But this didn’t turn out to be the right vehicle for her.”
It’s not all bad news, though, as she still has Cook & Share on BBC Two.
I can also reveal Mary has another special due to air in December, called Christmas with Mary Berry And Friends. It will be a “fool-proof guide to making Christmas dinner”.
Britain’s Best Home Cook involved members of the public showing off culinary skills in a similar way to Bake Off.
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But by series three in 2020 — the last time it was on our screens — the competitors were all celebrities and the word “Britain” was dropped from the title.
Ed Balls won that show, which also featured judges Angela Hartnett and Chris Bavin.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “Sometimes we have to make hard decisions to make way for new shows, so currently there are no plans to bring back Best Home Cook.
CORRIE JAMES BAILS OUT
CORONATION Street star Nathan Graham has quit the soap after three years.
The actor, who plays footballer James Bailey, joined the cast in 2019 as the youngest son of the show’s first ever black family.
Viewers have seen James suffer a heart attack during a football match, putting his career in jeopardy.
A source revealed: “His exit will see him leave Weatherfield for a new start.
“But his family are still on the cobbles and he will only be a train ride away so it may not be the last viewers have seen of him.”
Nathan’s exit will come as his on-screen sister arrives in the form of actress Channique Sterling-Brown as the much-mentioned but never seen Dee-Dee Bailey next week.
That’s the spirit, Craig
GRUMPY judge Craig Revel-Horwood has revealed there’s someone else who likes him less than the dancers he berates on Strictly.
He revealed how he once asked a bride to move her wedding day back 24 hours so he could hold his 50th birthday at a venue in Sydney harbour.
His bash was bathed in sunshine – and the next day he watched as hers was lashed by a storm.
Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Unforgivable on Dave, Craig said: “Suddenly a huge dark cloud arrived and literally the thunderstorm that ensued was unbelievable – they closed the harbour bridge.
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“It absolutely p***ed down with rain for hours, for the whole afternoon. I felt so sorry for her. But you know what, at least my day wasn’t ruined.”
That’s the spirit, Craig.