Paul Hollywood staying on 'The Great British Bake Off' despite Mary leaving
Paul has signed a new deal
After Mary Berry announced she would be leaving The Great British Bake Off before it moves to Channel 4, many people believed her co-presenter Paul Hollywood would follow in her footsteps, but this is not the case.
Agreeing a three-year-deal with Channel 4, Paul released the following statement...
“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.
“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.
“So 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.”
Paul Hollywood | © PA Images
The statement comes after the bread specialist was spotted at Channel 4 headquarters for a meeting with bosses.
This morning (Thursday 22nd September), Mary announced she would be leaving the show due to her ‘loyalty’.
She said “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."
Mary Berry | © PA Images
It seems Paul will be the only member of the current show to make the move when the popular programme switches channels, with presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc already confirming their departure.
In a joint statement last week, Mel and Sue said “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."
Sue Perkins, Paul Hollywood, Mel Giedroyc, Mary Berry | © BBC/Love
So with Paul being the only one left, can the show continue its success when it switches to Channel 4?
Fans of the show were quick to tweet their disapointment at the news of Mary's departure. Read them here.