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The Great British Bake Off is back on our TV screens for its fifth series.

The ratings have shown the move to BBC One to be a massive success, with more of you watching the show than ever before.

1. Mary Berry was born in 1935, the second child of Alleyne and Marjorie Berry. Her father served as the Mayor of Bath in 1952 and her mother lived to the ripe old age of 105.

2. At 13, she contracted polio and spent three months in hospital, leaving her with a twisted spine, a weaker left hand, and a thinner left arm. Always looking on the bright side of life, however, she's credited the illness with toughening her up and teaching her to make the most of every opportunity. Amazingly, Mary Berry's horse came to visit her in hospital.

3. Academic studies were never her forte, but she began to shine in domestic science class, under the guidance of the aptly named Miss Date. Berry's first creation was a treacle sponge pudding.

BBC / Love Productions

5. Rumour has it that the prim and proper judge is a bit of a party animal. She tried her first cigarette at the age of 8, and while she never touched another one, she can still rave with the best of us. Believe it or not, she was partying at Pacha in Ibiza at the age of 71, and famously started knocking back tequila slammers like water after a Bake Off cast dinner.

Skip to 2.45 to see Bake Off hosts Sue and Mel reveal Berry's debauched ways to Alan Carr.

Great British Bake Off: Biscuit Week round-up - Fondant fiasco

6. While we don't want to entertain the idea of her no longer being with us, what would she eat as a last meal?

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10 Things About... Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry