Rich Myers, owner of the viral Manchester bakery Get Baked, has publicly criticised producers of The Voice UK after being asked to provide free food in exchange for 'exposure'. The request came via email from a member of staff working on the ITV show, which films at MediaCity in Salford.
Myers shared screenshots on Instagram showing that the producers sought 'amazing products' for the talent dressing rooms and green rooms, but said they were 'unable to offer anything monetary or otherwise in return'. The email claimed the arrangement would lead to 'exposure to our highly influential coaches and presenters'.
Reacting to the request, Myers said he initially thought it was a 'wind-up' before realising it was genuine. He described ITV and production company Lifted Entertainment as a 'total disgrace' and questioned: 'Who do they think I am, Gregg Wallace?' He stressed that he did not blame the individual who sent the email but rather their superiors.
The post drew responses from several celebrity chefs, including Andi Oliver, who called the offer 'wild chat'. In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Lifted Entertainment apologised to Myers, saying: 'Immediate steps have been taken to ensure this type of request is never made again.'
Get Baked, known for its 24-layer Matilda cake, opened its Manchester branch in the Northern Quarter in March last year. The Voice UK has filmed its blind auditions and battle rounds at MediaCity since 2013, with coaches including will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones, and LeAnn Rimes.
