As Great British Bake Off airs for the last time on Wednesday night on BBC, HELLO! Online speaks exclusively to former finalist, Holly Bell, about her experience working alongside Mary Berry, and who she hopes will replace her when the show moves to Channel 4.
The series two runner-up reveals that Mary is just as lovely off camera as she is on our screens.
"She is so sweet, she was always helping me while I was baking – she would even get told off for it!" said Holly.
© Photo: PAMary Berry will be retiring at the end of this series
She admitted that the show will feel strange without Mary as a judge.
"The show will be different with Mary, but she is 81 and everyone deserves to retire at some point. I think replacing her is a really hard act to follow though. I wouldn't want to do it!" said Holly, adding that Mary's replacement will need to be a good fit working with "naughty" Paul Hollywood.
"Delia Smith would be good. Or Jane Asher – she is really funny and knows enough about cakes. She also has the kind of personality to be able to stand up to Paul too!" said Holly.
© Photo: BBCWho will replace Mary on the show when it moves to Channel 4?
While Holly has enjoyed a successful baking career since her time on the show in 2011, she still very much enjoys watching the show and is rooting for the finalists all the way.
"Anyone who has the guts to go on is just amazing. I really love Candice because I think she has some interesting ideas and isn't afraid to just say that she is good – which is rare for a female," she said. "There seems to be an issue that if you are a woman and you are good at something people don't like you as much – but I think she is great."
Holly id now a brand ambassador for multi-channel retailer High Street TV’s range of kitchen products. For more information visit www.highstreettv.com
