Mary Berry has revealed she felt "very guilty" for being a working mother when her children were young. The 81-year-old, who is famed for her appearance on The Great British Bake Off, confessed she found it difficult to leave her family when she headed to work. "I was a working mum when there weren't many working mums. It wasn't easy, but I'm very glad I did," she told Woman and Home magazine. "When the children were young, I did feel very guilty, though. So I reckon I was not the best mum. I enjoy my children far more now than when they were young."
The celebrity baker was mother to Annabel, Thomas and William. Her youngest son, William, was tragically killed in a car crash in 1989, aged just 19. Making up for the past, Mary now spends as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren. "I'm very involved with my grandchildren, too," she added. "I love having them over - and I don't like giving them back!" In her 40-year career, the TV star has published more than 75 recipe books and scored a judging role on beloved baking show, The Great British Bake Off.
Mary Berry has talked about the guilt she faced from being a working mother
STORY: Mary's brand new Bake Off series
Last month, Mary went on to win the coveted National Television Award for Best TV Judge. However, it has been almost six months since the star confirmed that she wouldn't be appearing as a judge in the next series of Bake Off. She said in a statement: "It has been a privilege and honour to be part of seven years of magic in a tent… My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision."
Mary recently confirmed she wouldn't appear as a judge in the next series of Bake Off
Will Prue Leith replace Mary Berry as Bake Off judge?
Over the past few months there has been lots of speculation surrounding her position on the show. TV chefs Michel Roux Jr, Rachel Allen, Frances Atkins and Prue Leith are some of the names tipped to appear in the new series when it moves to Channel 4 later this year. Fellow judge Paul Hollywood's decision to remain with Bake Off was met with controversy, particularly after Mary and show hosts Mel and Sue announced their plans to remain with the BBC.