BBC News have announced that Mary Berry
will be leaving The Great British Bake Off following the move to Channel 4 in the new year, whilst Paul Hollywood has released a statement saying that he will remain.
The move to Channel 4 came as a shock for fans when it was announced by the BBC earlier this month, and the news swiftly lead to confirmation that the two Bake Off hosts, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, were to step down from the show.
Now Bake Off judge Mary Berry has had the same change of heart, whilst other half Paul Hollywood will be sticking with the show.
Mary released a statement on the BBC website saying: '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.'
'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.'
This was followed shortly by a Facebook post from the Bake Off judge... [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/maryberrythecook/photos/a.278688722157029.86666.163357673690135/1523675960991626/?type=3&theater [/facebook]
Within the same hour, Paul released his own statement, which read: 'I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding.'
'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.'
Mary and Paul have been the iconic faces of The Great British Bake Off dating back to the first series in 2010 which was originally aired on BBC Two. The celeb chefs have both gone on to launch a number of successful cookbooks as well staring in their own TV shows, including Mary Berry Cooks which got to see the Bake Off judge in the comfort of her own kitchen.
We will well and truly miss Mary Berry and the class and sophistication she brought to The Great British Bake Off - and Paul, we're interested to see how it goes...
And hands up who'll be consoling themselves with Mary Berry's chocolate cake today?
What do you think about Mary Berry’s departure? Are you sad to see her leave? Comment below
