Mary Berry is to return to her role as a judge on the BBC in a new programme called Britain’s Best Cook.
Berry will be joined on the programme by Claudia Winkleman, who will present it, and a second judge, not yet named.
Berry decided not to follow The Great British Bake Off and fellow judge, Paul Hollywood, to Channel 4. Bake Off, the most-watched programme of 2016, is due to launch on Channel 4 later this year after being snapped up by the broadcaster in a £75m deal.
Britain’s Best Cook, over eight episodes, will feature 10 contestants cooking “the most perfect version of dishes that define modern British home cooking, as well as create their special take on well-loved classics”, the BBC says.
Berry, who has produced more than 75 cookery books, 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.”
Berry has recently been on screens in Mary Berry Everyday, showcasing some of the recipes from her career, and has also signed up to make Mary Berry’s Secrets from Britain’s Great Houses for BBC1.
Winkleman, who also presents Strictly Come Dancing and is the BBC’s highest-paid female presenter, said: “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 launch date and time are yet to be confirmed, but it will almost certainly be a primetime show as the BBC looks to replace Bake Off in its schedule.
Charlotte Moore, the director of BBC content who commissioned the programme, said: “Home cooking has quietly become one of the nation’s favourite obsessions and so there is no better place than BBC1 to compete for this crown.
“The queen of all judges, Mary Berry will be the indisputable head judge, with the irresistible Claudia Winkleman hosting proceedings. But who will be Mary’s judging partner? The search is on.”
