You’ve seen the headlines. Maybe you saw a weird post on Facebook or a vague tweet that made your heart skip a beat. It happens to every major celebrity eventually—the internet starts whispering, wondering if they’ve passed away. But when it comes to the queen of the Victoria sponge, the rumors couldn’t be further from the truth.
Is Mary Berry still alive? Yes. Not only is she alive, but at 90 years old, she’s basically putting everyone else’s productivity to shame.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild. While most people are eyeing a quiet retirement by their 70s, Dame Mary Berry is currently navigating 2026 with a schedule that looks more like a 30-year-old entrepreneur’s. She’s filming, she’s writing, and she’s still reminding us all that there is absolutely no excuse for a soggy bottom.
The Current Status of Mary Berry in 2026
If you’re looking for her, don’t check the rocking chairs. You’re more likely to find her in a garden or a television studio. As of early 2026, Mary is very much active in the British culinary and gardening scenes.
She recently hit that massive 90th birthday milestone in March 2025, and the BBC didn’t let it go unnoticed. They aired a massive celebration called Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking. It wasn’t just a "look back" at her career; it was a launchpad for her newest projects.
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What is Mary doing right now?
- The New Memoir: She just released (or is about to release, depending on the week) her latest book, My Gardening Life. This isn't a cookbook. It’s a deeply personal look at her "second love."
- The Tour: She has been spotted doing Q&A events at bookstores from Bath to St Andrews. Seeing a 90-year-old woman hop around the country for a book tour is nothing short of legendary.
- TV Appearances: She’s still a staple on the Beeb. Whether it’s guest-starring on new baking competitions or hosting her own specials, her voice is still as crisp as a well-baked tuile.
Why Do People Keep Asking If She’s Passed?
It’s the dark side of being a "National Treasure." Once you reach a certain age and the public loves you this much, the "death hoaxes" start flying.
Sometimes it’s a malicious "clickbait" ad on a shady website. Other times, it’s just a misunderstanding of a headline. For example, Mary recently made a comment about there being "plenty of time to rest in heaven." To a casual scroller, seeing "Mary Berry" and "Heaven" in the same sentence can trigger a minor heart attack. But she was actually just explaining why she refuses to retire.
She literally told Yours Magazine that she isn't keen on lounging around doing nothing. She’s got too much to do here first.
Health, Croquet, and Avoiding Kale
How does she do it? People are obsessed with her "secret."
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Mary has always been open about her health, though she doesn’t make a big fuss about it. She’s a polio survivor, which she’s mentioned left her with a thinner left arm and some weakness. She doesn't go to the gym. She thinks they are a waste of time.
Instead, she plays croquet.
She and her husband, Paul Hunnings—who she’s been married to for nearly 60 years—play twice a week. It’s about the "eye for the ball" and staying outdoors. She also walks her working cocker spaniels, Darcey and Freddie.
Her Diet Logic
Her approach to food is refreshingly normal. No "biohacking." No weird supplements.
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- Avoid Processed Stuff: She’s a fan of the butcher and the farm shop.
- No Kale: She famously said she used to give kale to her pony and she isn't about to start eating it now just because it’s trendy.
- Portion Control: This is the big one. She eats cake. She just doesn't eat the whole cake.
The "Frail" Headlines and Her Husband Paul
You might have seen some news lately about Mary "nursing" someone back to health. This is usually referring to her husband, Paul. He’s 93 and has had a few falls recently, including one that broke some ribs.
Mary has been incredibly candid about this stage of life. She’s acknowledged that Paul is "terribly frail" now, but she’s also spoken about how it has made her love him even more. It’s a poignant, real look at aging that you don't often see from celebrities. When you see headlines about "Mary Berry’s health heartbreak," it’s almost always about her role as a caregiver for Paul, rather than her own physical decline.
What’s Next for the Dame?
Don't expect her to vanish.
She has been linked to a new baking project with the original Great British Bake Off production team (Love Productions). While she left the show in 2016 out of loyalty to the BBC, her bond with those creators remains. There's also talk of more Hallmark appearances in the States, as she recently did a guest spot on Baked With Love: Holiday.
Basically, Mary Berry is 90 going on 50.
Actionable Takeaways from Mary’s Lifestyle:
- Keep Moving: If you hate the gym, find a sport like croquet or just walk the dogs. Consistency beats intensity.
- Moderation is Real: You can have the lemon drizzle. Just don't have three slices every day.
- Stay Curious: Starting a new career as a "gardening author" at 90 is the ultimate inspiration to never stop learning.
If you were worried about Mary, you can breathe easy. She’s probably in her kitchen right now, testing a recipe or deadheading some roses, perfectly fine and busy as ever.