Mary Berry is to leave The Great British Bake Off when it moves to Channel 4 from the BBC.
The 81-year old joins presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins in refusing to swap channels. Channel 4 is said to be confident that it can convince her fellow judge Paul Hollywood to stay with the programme.
In a statement, Berry said: “It has been a privilege and honour it has been to be part of seven 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.”
She added that she wished the future programme, its “crew and future bakers” well. “I am so very sad not to be a part of it. Farewell to soggy bottoms.”
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content and one of the architects of the show on the BBC seven years ago, said: “Mary is an extraordinary woman, loved and adored by the British public, and the BBC is her natural home.
“I’ve been very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Mary over the last seven years and I’m so pleased that relationship will continue.
“She is an inspiration to generations, a real icon and I can’t wait to cook up more unmissable shows with her in the future.”
The Guardian
