The current ‘Bake Off’ judge has been with the show for seven series, but announced last week that she would be stepping down when it switches to Channel 4 in 2017, out of “loyalty” to the BBC.
And while she’s said she has hopes that her friend and fellow judge Paul Hollywood will do a good job on the new channel, Mary claims that it won’t be the ‘Bake Off’ as we know it.
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Mary Berry at the National Reality TV Awards 2016
Mario MitsisWENNcom
Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards, where she was one of the night’s winners, she told reporters: “I think it’ll be different, and, I’m sure, very successful. And Paul will carry them through.”
Paul was recently forced to clarify that there were no hard feelings between himself and Mary, after his official statement about moving to Channel 4 thanked the crew and presenters Mel and Sue, but made no mention of his fellow judge.
He later insisted: “Let there be no doubt: I have loved every minute of my time working with Mary. I have learned so much from her and we are great friends inside and outside the tent. That will not change.
“Knowing her as well as I do, I am sure she has made the right decision for her. I will miss her.”
10 Possible Choices To Replace Mel And Sue On 'Great British Bake Off'
Jo Brand(01 of10)
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The obvious choice - Jo fits in well with the 'Bake Off' brand (IF YOU'LL PARDON THE PUN) having hosted spin-off show extra slice for the past three years.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Davina McCall(02 of10)
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Channel 4 and Davina go way back, with 'Big Brother', 'The Million Pound Drop' and 'The Jump' all among the projects she's worked with on C4 in the past.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(03 of10)
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Another of Channel 4's go-tos, Alan at the helm of 'Bake Off' would be a complete change in direction for the show, with his energy and buoyant enthusiasm contrasting heavily with Mel and Sue's more subdued and laidback approach to presenting. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain and Tamal Ray(04 of10)
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Reigning champ Nadiya has already forged a successful career as a TV personality for herself, and it didn't even take her a year after she won, so putting her in charge might seem like a natural progression.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'. (credit:BBC)
John Whaite(05 of10)
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That said, John Whaite has always held a special place in 'Bake Off' fans' hearts since his victory in the third season.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either. (credit:Steve MeddleITVRexShutterstock)
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack(06 of10)
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'Ready... set... BAKE... no wait... erm... not yet, don't bake yet. OH WAIT. No, do bake. So yeah... bake. Sorry about that.' (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Julian Clary(07 of10)
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He might seem like a bit of a left-of-field choice for the gig, but when you think about it, he's a perfect fit for 'Bake Off'.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'. (credit:Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
Geri Horner(08 of10)
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Anyone who's been keeping an eye on Geri's Instagram page will know she's become a baking devotee since her winning stint on celebrity 'Bake Off', and this video of her interviewing Avril Lavigne proves she's certainly got a unique interviewing style.
Another star whose name has repeatedly been cropping up.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby(10 of10)
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OH BUT DON'T YOU SEE? They aren't doing it. And they felt the need to tell us this in one the least funny celebrity 'pranks' in recent memory, at the height of 'Bake Off' mania. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)