Producers of The Voice UK have apologised after a Manchester bakery owner publicly slammed their request for free food in exchange for 'exposure'. Rich Myers, owner of viral bakery Get Baked, shared screenshots on Instagram on July 17 showing a producer asking for 'amazing products' for the talent dressing rooms and green rooms during production of the upcoming season. The request stated they were 'unable to offer anything monetary or otherwise in return' but promised 'exposure to our highly influential coaches and presenters'.
Owner's Reaction
Rich Myers, who founded Get Baked in Leeds five years ago and opened a Northern Quarter branch in Manchester in March last year, initially thought the email was a 'wind-up' before realising it was 'totally real'. In his Instagram post, he called ITV and Lifted Entertainment 'a total disgrace', adding: 'Honestly, how did we get here? Stop whatever this is because I wanna get off.' In a follow-up comment, he sarcastically remarked: '“Exposure to their highly influential coaches and presenters”. Who do they think I am, Gregg Wallace?' He clarified he did not blame the individual who sent the email, but rather their bosses.
Industry Backlash
The post drew responses from celebrity chefs and TV personalities. Jak Malone commented: 'We can’t pay you, but rest assured the people who eat your stuff will be really talented!' Chef Andi Oliver called the phrase 'monetary or otherwise' wild talk. Get Baked, known for its viral 24-layer Matilda cake, had seen huge queues when it opened in Manchester.
Producers' Apology
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News on July 17, a Lifted Entertainment spokesperson apologised: 'We apologise for any upset this has caused and are reaching out to Rich Myers directly. Immediate steps have been taken to ensure this type of request is never made again.' The Voice UK, which has filmed its blind auditions and battle rounds at Salford's MediaCity since 2013, has featured coaches like Kylie Minogue, Olly Murs, and Sir Tom Jones. The most recent series in 2024 included will.i.am, LeAnn Rimes, and Tom Fletcher & Danny Jones from McFly.
