Mary Berry to host new cooking show on BBC2

Queen of baking Mary Berry is set return to BBC Two to front a new cooking series, the broadcaster has announced.

Hitting screens in the new year, her newly commissioned show called Mary Berry Everyday will explore some of the recipes that have formed the cornerstone of her cooking over her career.

Across six episodes the 81-year-old will travel to her mother's childhood home in Scotland to enjoy venison, salmon and whisky, and try her hand at beekeeping in search of honey.

She will also pursue the history of the great British pie and learn to milk a goat and make her own cheese, as she celebrates the food and ingredients she turns to most and shows an exotic larder is not needed to create delicious dishes.

BBC Two channel editor Patrick Holland, who commissioned the new series, said: "I am thrilled that Mary is returning to BBC Two to share her magic.

"Her everyday recipes are inspirational and delicious and her series will be a real treat for the audience."

The announcement comes after the firm TV favourite and judge on the hugely popular Great British Bake Off chose not to follow the show to Channel 4 when the programme rights were sold.

When the channel switch was revealed Ms Berry bid "farewell to soggy bottoms" and said her decision to stay with the BBC was "out of loyalty to them".

The Great British Bake Off first aired on BBC Two in 2010 before it moved over to BBC One in 2014.

Mary's new series, produced by Sidney Street Productions, follows on from the success of Mary Berry's Absolute Favourites and Mary Berry's Foolproof Cooking, also shown on BBC Two.