It’s the news we have been dreading, but kind of expecting… Mary Berry has announced that she will not be following Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.
“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,” the TV treasure said in a statement.
“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.
“I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it.
She added: “Farewell to soggy bottoms.”
Gutted! But, silver lining… she is staying with the BBC, so it sounds like there could be some exciting projects in the offing.
This now leaves us all wondering what Paul Hollywood will choose to do – reports earlier this week suggest he is in solo talks with Channel 4.
Also following Mary Berry are jokers Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who will not be moving with the show.
In a statement given to the Press Association by their spokeswoman, the innuendo-loving due revealed the sad news and broke millions of hearts across the cake-loving country; fans of the show have now responded in abject horror.
Read more: Holly and Phil trolled after This Morning prank backfires
The pair said: “We were very shocked and saddened to learn yesterday evening that Bake Off will be moving from its home.We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was.
“The BBC nurtured the show from its infancy and helped give it its distinctive warmth and charm, growing it from an audience of two million to nearly 15 at its peak.
“We’ve had the most amazing time on Bake Off, and have loved seeing it rise and rise like a pair of yeasted Latvian baps. We’re not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success.”
The Great British Bake Off is on the move after the channel signed a new three-year agreement with the programme’s producers, Love Productions.
Under the new partnership, the multi-award winning show will remain on free-to-air television.
Read more: Now it is scone from the BBC, will GBBO become Naked Bake Off?
The first Bake Off programme set to be broadcast on Channel 4 will be a celebrity version of the show in 2017, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Jay Hunt, Channel 4′s chief creative officer, said: “Channel 4 is very proud to be the new home for The Great British Bake Off.
“I’m delighted we have been able to partner with the hugely talented team at Love Productions to keep this much loved show on free-to-air television.”
Richard McKerrow, Love Productions creative director said: “We believe we’ve found the perfect new home for Bake Off.
“It’s a public service, free-to-air broadcaster for whom Love Productions have produced high quality and highly successful programmes for more than a decade.
“It’s tremendously exciting to have found a broadcaster who we know will protect and nurture The Great British Bake Off for many years to come.”
What will be Paul Hollywood’s next move? Watch this space!