Mary Berry has confirmed she will not follow The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4, citing loyalty to the BBC, while Paul Hollywood has agreed to remain with the show for three years.
Berry, who has judged the programme since its first series in 2010, said the BBC had nurtured her and the show. She expressed sadness for the audience, adding: "Farewell to soggy bottoms." Hollywood said he was delighted to continue, stating he could not turn his back on something that had been a huge part of his life.
The departures follow the exit of presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who said they were not "going with the dough". Hollywood thanked the BBC and his former colleagues, and later praised Berry's decision as the right one for her.
Channel 4's chief creative officer Jay Hunt described Hollywood as "the star baker" with "wit, warmth and wisdom", while BBC One controller Charlotte Moore said Berry was "an extraordinary woman" whose natural home was the BBC. Love Productions, which makes the series, said the crew would miss her.
Former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale criticised Channel 4's decision to poach the show, questioning whether it was appropriate for a public service broadcaster. Former Channel 4 chief executive Michael Grade called it a "huge gamble" given the chemistry of the original team. Chef Jamie Oliver welcomed Hollywood to Channel 4 on Twitter.
