Mary Berry will not follow The Great British Bake Off as it makes the switch from the BBC to Channel 4, the longtime judge announced in a statement today. While Berry, known for her pleasant but firm demeanor and her contagious passion for cakes and pies and breads, said she is sad not be a part of the reality baking competition going forward, she cited “loyalty to the BBC” as the reason for her decision, “as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one.”
She ended her statement, “Farewell to soggy bottoms.”
Berry’s exit is a major blow to the show and marks the third major talent departure from Bake Off after Channel 4’s coup, following hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins’ announcement that they would not be joining the reality baking competition at its new home.
The news means that Paul Hollywood, Bake Off’s other judge, will be the only major talent following the show to its new network. Hollywood announced this morning that he “just couldn’t turn [his] back” on the show he and Berry have been a part of since its inception in 2010. Of Berry’s departure, he added: “Knowing her as well as I do, I am sure she has made the right decision for her. I will miss her.”
Berry and Hollywood’s full statements are available via the BBC.
