Mary Berry gives her thoughts on Prue Leith and the new Great British Bake Off

'It continues to be brilliant'

The Great British Bake Off returned to our screens last week, with 6.78 million viewers tuning in across the UK to see this year’s bakers arrive in the bunting-clad GBBO tent for episode one.

2017 has marked a change for the show, with last night’s episode being the first since GBBO moved from BBC to Channel 4, seeing judge (and national treasure) Mary Berry and presenters Mel and Sue leave as a result.

While the new series has kept the same format as before, Mary has been replaced with iconic restauranteer Prue Leith and comedians Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding have stepped into Mel and Sue’s beloved shoes.

While episode one was a success with Twitter responding positively to Channel 4's GBBO, the viewing figures have dropped by a whopping 3 million - with some people boycotting the show due to the introduction of advert breaks and the loss of Mary, Mel and Sue.

According to Mary however, there are no hard feelings, with the 82-year-old giving her thoughts on the new show ahead of episode two (biscuit week), airing tonight.

'It's a wonderful creation that programme, and it's followed the same lines,' Mary told The Sun Online at the TV Choice Awards. 'I have looked at it yes and I have to say it's a wonderful format. It continues to be brilliant.'

She went on to praise her replacement, Prue, explaining 'I was with it seven years and I loved it but I've gone on to pastures new and Prue Leith - she knows her stuff - and she and Paul will continue to be brilliant judges.'

She continued: 'I have spoken to Prue, I wished her well and she said she's thoroughly enjoying it and who wouldn't? It's a wonderful job.'

Just when we thought we couldn't love Mary any more!