Dame Mary Berry, the undisputed queen of British baking, has spoken candidly about why she could never return to The Great British Bake Off following its controversial move to Channel 4.
In an emotional revelation, the 88-year-old culinary icon explained that her loyalty to the BBC made a comeback impossible, despite her enduring affection for the show that made her a household name.
The Loyalty That Cost Her Bake Off
'I'm a great believer in loyalty,' Berry stated emphatically. 'I spent my life with the BBC, and it was the BBC that gave me the opportunity to do Bake Off.'
When production company Love Productions decided to move the hit baking competition to Channel 4 in a landmark £75 million deal in 2016, Berry faced what she describes as the 'hardest decision' of her professional life.
The Team That Couldn't Be Broken
Berry's departure wasn't a solitary decision. Presenting duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins stood alongside her, creating a unified front that saw four of the show's five key figures abandon ship.
'We were a team,' Berry explained. 'We were like a family. Mel and Sue are like my daughters, and Paul is like my son. We were very close.'
Only judge Paul Hollywood made the transition to Channel 4, where he was joined by new presenters Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, and later by judges Prue Leith and Alison Hammond.
The Emotional Aftermath
Despite standing by her principles, Berry admits the separation was profoundly difficult. 'It was the hardest decision because I love the programme, and I still watch it,' she confessed.
Her connection to the show remains strong, with Berry revealing she continues to tune in to support the bakers and follow their culinary journeys.
A Legacy That Endures
Since her departure, Berry has continued her successful television career with the BBC, fronting popular series including Mary Berry's Country House Secrets and Mary Berry's Simple Comforts.
Her decision to remain with the broadcaster has proven fruitful, maintaining her status as one of Britain's most beloved culinary experts while staying true to the values that defined her career.
The baking doyenne's stance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of loyalty in an industry often dominated by commercial interests.
