Smith has argued for a change in You Matter, but told fans in Oxford that she herself is not a “prophet” and “can’t start a political movement”.

She did however express the hope that “younger people will start a movement” to bring about change, and that her new book could be a “drop in the ocean” which could help inspire this and “make us all think”.

Her new publication explores questions of spirituality and the place of humanity in the universe, taking inspiration from the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the French Jesuit theologian and scientist.

Smith acknowledged that her new venture is an “ambitious” departure from most of her previous work – although she has written books on Catholic teachings in the past – but explained that after turning 70 in 2011, her agent told her she could “do whatever you like”.

Her book makes no mention of religion, instead aiming at “natural spirituality”, but Smith said she still attends church.

Food and football for thought

While not leaving her faith behind with her new work, the presenter best known for programmes such as How To Cook has confirmed that she will leave cooking shows behind her, and that she does not watch the work of contemporary TV cooks.

Smith attended the Oxford Literary Festival with Michael Wynn-Jones, her husband who is also a shareholder in Norwich City. She spoke about the future of the club, which she came to love through her partner’s passion for the team.

She said that the “billions” of other clubs made progress difficult for Norwich, but suggested that although no outside financier with similar funds had yet approached her about investing in the club, any investment of this kind would be decided by supporters.