Dame Mary Berry Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Son William During BAFTA Fellowship Honour

Mary Berry delivered a deeply emotional tribute to her late son William as she accepted the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship during Sunday night’s British Academy Television Awards.

The beloved television icon, 91, was honoured with the academy’s highest accolade in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to broadcasting and food television across a career spanning more than six decades.

Appearing visibly moved during her acceptance speech, Dame Mary reflected on both her professional journey and the personal losses that have shaped her life.

‘William Is in Heaven’

During her speech, Berry thanked her husband, Paul Berry, who was watching the ceremony from home, alongside her children Annabel Bosher and Thomas Alleyne.

She also paid touching tribute to her son William Berry, who tragically died in a car accident in 1989 at the age of 19 while studying at university.

“William is in heaven, but I thank him,” Berry said emotionally during the ceremony.

The television presenter also reflected on her humble beginnings, recalling how she left school with only two O-level qualifications in cookery and needlework before eventually building one of Britain’s most celebrated broadcasting careers.

“I’m a teacher, so I feel very honoured to be given BAFTA’s highest award,” she told the audience.

Bake Off Changed Everything

Berry spoke warmly about the impact of The Great British Bake Off on her career, explaining how the programme transformed her public profile and introduced her to a new generation of viewers.

She joked about filming conditions inside the famous Bake Off tent, recalling how she used to hide a hot water bottle beneath her jacket during cold mornings on set.

“Bake Off came along and my whole world changed,” she said.

Despite her enormous television success, Berry insisted she still sees herself primarily as a teacher.

“Television is the biggest classroom there is,” she added.

Remembering a Family Tragedy

Berry has previously spoken publicly about the devastating loss of William and revisited the painful memories during an appearance on the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast.

She revealed that her daughter Annabel had also been involved in the crash but survived.

Recalling the day of the accident, Berry explained that William had borrowed a sports car before losing control while driving.

She described him as the dependable member of the family and admitted she immediately sensed tragedy when police officers arrived at the family home.

Berry also remembered the overwhelming relief she felt after later seeing Annabel alive at the hospital.

The emotional recollections have often resonated strongly with fans, many of whom have admired Berry’s openness and resilience in discussing the family tragedy over the years.

Adolescence Dominates the BAFTAs

Elsewhere during the ceremony, Owen Cooper continued his remarkable awards-season success by winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in Adolescence.

At just 16 years old, Cooper has now become the youngest performer to win supporting actor honours at both the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.

His co-star Christine Tremarco secured the award for Best Supporting Actress, overcoming strong competition including Erin Doherty.

The acclaimed drama, created by Stephen Graham and writer Jack Thorne, received widespread praise for its exploration of online radicalisation, misogyny and youth violence.

Each episode of the series was filmed in a single continuous take, a creative decision that drew significant critical acclaim.

Meanwhile, Amandaland won the BAFTA for Scripted Comedy.

The series stars Lucy Punch and follows the life of a former socialite adapting to single motherhood after leaving her affluent lifestyle behind in west London.