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Mary Berry's Easter show leaves viewers in tears as she visits late son's grave

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Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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There were emotional scenes during Mary Berry's Easter Feast as the popular TV cook took her grandchildren to visit the grave of her late son. The 80-year-old star tragically lost her middle child William Hunnings in a car accident in 1989, and during the TV special she reflected on his short life. "For me too, the lead up to Easter is a time full of happy memories. From Easter as a child in Bath, to when my own children were young," Mary said on the show. "But, for our family, it is also a time of sadness for we remember the loss of our son William 27 years ago, when he was just 19 years old."

mary berry © Photo: BBC

Mary Berry visited the grave of her son William with her family

The family, including Mary's husband Paul, her daughter Annabel and three of Mary's grandchildren, are then seen visiting William's resting place (Annabel was also in the car at the time of William's accident, but survived the crash).

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William was just 19 when he was killed in a car crash

Later on in the show, Mary visited with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the pair reflected on what it is to lose a child. The Most Rev Justin Welby and his wife Caroline lost their daughter Johanna at the age of seven months following a car crash in 1983. He said that Easter was a time to reflect and "celebrate" the lives of those who have passed away, with Mary agreeing, saying that every year her family "all raise a glass to Will".

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Mary and the Archbishop of Canterbury discussed losing their children

Immediately after the show aired, viewers took to social media to share their sympathy and empathy for Mary. "In tears watching #MaryBerrysEasterFeast so sad that she lost her son & so wonderful to see her family paying their respects together x," one fan tweeted, while another added: "Crying at Mary Berry, she's the sweetest, kindest lady."