UK Bake Off judge latest to quit after Channel 4 deal
Judge Mary Berry confirms she will remain with the BBC, but Paul Hollywood is headed to C4.
- Published by David Knox
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The fallout from The Great British Bake Off switching networks from BBC to Channel 4 continues, now withjudge Mary Berry confirming she will remain with the BBC.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Her announcement follows hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc previously saying they would quit as hosts and not move to the show’s upcoming new home.
“I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it,” Berry continued.
“Farewell to soggy bottoms.”
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content said she couldn’t wait to “cook up” more shows with Berry in the future.
However fellow judge Paul Hollywood announced his plans to continue for three seasons when the ratings juggernaut moves after the end of the current season.
Said Hollywood: “Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven [seasons] 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. The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we’ve seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other.
“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.”
Source: BBC, Hollywood Reporter
4 Responses
You wouldn’t see the great Paul Hollywood giving up the limelight for some piffling reason like loyalty, oh no. The sad thing is he probably will be the star now all the better stars have bowed out.
So Channel 4 have basically bought a man in a tent in the countryside.
If you ranked the four in order of who you most wanted to remain, Paul Hollywood would be fourth on that list.
I think we’ll learn soon that GBBO worked so well despite Paul Hollywood, not because of him
Agreed. There is a subtle and gentle humour to the show thanks to Mary, Sue and Mel which would be hard to script and replicate. Hopefully when they do the new show they do a complete overhaul and don’t try and copy it from before. Perhaps they could look at the latest Topgear as an example of what not to do.