Mary Berry has announced that she has left The Great British Bake Off, after it was revealed that the show is moving from the BBC to Channel 4.
The culinary expert released a statement announcing her departure, and admitted that she has decided to stay with the BBC “out of loyalty to them”.
“What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of 7 years of magic in a tent – The Great British Bake Off. The Bake Off family – Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter.”
“My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision.
Goodbye: Mary Berry is leaving GBBO after the show’s shock move to Channel 4 | BBC
“I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it. Farewell to soggy bottoms,” she added.
The news comes after Bake Off hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins confirmed that they would not present the programme, once it moves from BBC to Channel 4.
A BBC commissioner previously revealed at MediaCon that she was ‘greatly saddened’ by the loss of the Great British Bake Off, as it was a BBC grown show.
Meanwhile, Paul Hollywood has confirmed that he WILL be staying with the show, despite Mary’s departure.
“Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.
“It’s been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn’t turn my back on all that – the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget… the squirrels,” he said in a statement.
