Why Mary Berry really quit Great British Bake Off after seven years on show

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be back on the show tonight, judging the bakers, but why did Dame Mary Berry leave?

Mary decided to call it quits(Image: BBC)

The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 tonight – with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith back in the tent judging the bakers alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

It’s been eight years since the show moved over to BBC and beloved judge Dame Mary Berry stepped down – but why did she decide to quit? Well, it was announced in 2016 that the show would be moving over to Channel 4, after the show’s production company, Love Productions, sold the broadcasting rights.

It wasn’t just Berry who decided to stay with the BBC. Hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins also made the decision to stay – although Paul Hollywood, who starred alongside them at the time made the decision to move over to Channel 4.

READ MORE: Bake Off host Noel Fielding’s rare public appearances and health battles that led to TV axe

Mary, Sue and Mel
Mary, Sue and Mel’s last appearance was in 2016(Image: PA)

According to Mary, “I’m choosing to stay with the BBC because they have nurtured me and the show, which was a unique and brilliant format from day one,” she said in a statement.

What a privilege and honor it was to participate in seven years of magic inside a tent. I hope the audience understands my decision because I’m just sad for the audience, who might not be ready to change. I’m so grateful to Paul, Mel, and Sue for their joy and laughter.

Before she made the joke, “Farewell to soggy bottoms,” she said, “I wish the programme, crew, and future bakers every possible success and I’m so sad not to be a part of it”!

Prue Leith
Mary was replaced by Prue Leith(Image: PA)

But does the star still watch the show? Well the answer is no, she previously told the Mirror.

Speaking about This Morning star Alison Hammond being announced as co-presenter in 2023, the 90-year-old said: “I hope she’s very good. They’ve had a good swap round since I left. But they’re all good, they bring a different way of life to Bake Off.”

However, Mary acknowledged that she wouldn’t be watching the show because she continued, “I don’t actually watch Bake Off; you can imagine that because we don’t watch much cooking on television.

12 new bakers will debut at 8 p.m., and Paul Hollywood anticipates handing out many handshakes.

The baking standard is still the same, but since series one, he said, has improved consistently.

The bakers in series one were of their time, but the baking has improved, not to say that. The difficulties are a little more challenging. However, they have all risen to the occasion and produced truly incredible things.

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James Whale’s will revealed – radio star’s gift to kids and his final wish

According to legend, James Whale’s will included money for his wife Nadine Talbot-Brown. The presenter passed away in the wake of a second cancer diagnosis just four weeks ago, aged 74.

James, who is renowned for his work on TalkTV and TalkRadio, among other radio stations, passed away on August 4 in the morning of his death, it was revealed last month. Following the announcement of his death, tributes were paid to the former BBC Radio host.

He reportedly left his wife Nadine, who he married in 2021, the majority of his estate. From his first marriage to the late Melinda Maxted, who passed away in 2018, he is said to have also left money for his children Peter and James.

James Whale passed away last month with his wife Nadine Talbot-Brown (Getty Images).

The High Court last week approved his estate, according to the Sun. He left an estate worth £715, 000, according to records obtained by the outlet. It’s said to have been reduced by £197, 800 after taxes, fees and debts to £517, 200.

James reportedly left his first marriage to Melinda Maxted, who passed away in 2018, tax-free to his children James and Peter. According to reports, the will also lists his burial request in it, which was signed in April of last year.

James’ death was revealed last month. James slipped away this morning, his wife told the Express on August 4. He left with a smile on his face after such a beautiful passing.

We were sad to learn that James Whale MBE, who had battled cancer for a long time, passed away earlier today, at the age of 74. James will be missed by many at TALK and the News UK family because he has been a broadcasting legend for more than 50 years.

In 2000, James was given a kidney cancer diagnosis, and he had surgery to have one of his kidneys removed. The cancer then went so far as to reveal that it had reached his last kidney, lungs, spine, and brain in 2020.

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Love Island’s Millie Court and Liam Reardon split for second time over sad reason

Millie Court and Liam Reardon, both of whom are lovers, are reportedly having a second breakup. The couple made a seventh episode of the 2021 dating ITV2 dating program, and they won. They briefly separated before reuniting, despite what they appeared to be saying.

The TV stars ended their relationship in 2022’s summer, but they later found each other again a year later. However, a friend’s claim that they “tried so hard to make it work makes it seem like their relationship is over.”

According to an insider, the “distance was just difficult,” so they made the decision to part ways once more. For comment, The Mirror reached out to their representatives.

Millie Court and Liam Reardon
According to reports, Liam and Millie have split once more (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images).

Friends are hoping this might just be a blip because it’s all still very fresh, the source told The Sun. “Obviously, they’ve worked things out before.

“But they are currently separating,” they said. Everyone who is in their shoes hopes that they can resolve their conflict.

When they were contestants in the villa during season seven of Love Island, they foretold each other for the first time in 2021. After coming to terms with the fact that Liam had his head briefly turned in Casa Amor, the pair eventually won the show.

Liam Reardon and Millie Court
In 2021, they first met on Love Island (@milliegracecourt/Instagram).

The romance continued after the couple left the villa in 2022, but they broke up. Millie stated in a statement that she and Liam wanted to let you know that their relationship had ended when they first split.

It’s been a difficult choice, and I’m devastated, but it’s ultimately what’s best for us at the moment. Thank you to each and every one of you who has helped us grow our relationship.

“I wish Liam the best of all of his efforts in everything he does,” Liam said, “nothing will ever take away from the incredible experience we shared in Love Island and the past year.”

We’re both prepared for fresh chapters, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. “Love, Millie.

After a while apart, things started to turn around and Liam recently said he planned to start a family with her.

Liam’s sister shared footage of him playing with a child in a Welsh village earlier this year. He then re-posted the content on Instagram and added a heartfelt caption reading, “@milliegracecourt I want one.”

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Geri Horner’s rarely-seen daughter is spitting image of Spice Girl on day out

As she enjoyed a leisurely day out in London, Geri Horner’s eldest child, Bluebell Madonna, resembled the Spice Girls powerhouse.

Geri Horner’s daughter, Bluebell Madonna, looked very casual on a day out in London(Image: NASH / BACKGRID)

In her prime, Geri Horner’s daughter wore the same outfit as the Spice Girls star. Since her relationship with Sacha Gervasi, Geri’s eldest child, Bluebell Madonna Halliwell, rarely speaks in front of her famous mother these days.

The 19-year-old, however, embraced the recent warmer weather as she walked through the capital while making a phone call on a leisurely day out in London. Bluebell wore clothing to the warmer weather.

The teen chose to enjoy a splash of color with her bold appearance, in contrast to her mother’s all-white wardrobe. A daring split up appeared on the front of her thighs, which she wore in a light and dark blue floral-patterned dress. Bluebell chose a pair of blue Adidas trainers, which added a touch of casualness to her glamorous outfit, despite the fact that Geri is known for her bold footwear choices.

Bluebell Madonna looked exactly like her Spice Girls icon mother, Geri Horner
Bluebell Madonna looked exactly like her Spice Girls icon mother, Geri Horner(Image: NASH / BACKGRID)

She freely swept her auburn hair down her back and tucked it all in a neat ponytail. She complemented her appearance with a silver necklace, dainty hooped earrings, and oversized black sunglasses.

At the Burberry Fashion Week winter show earlier this year, Bluebell and her famous mother took to the stage. After only six weeks, Geri and Sacha, her husband’s singer, Geri, split up. However, Geri continued to give birth to Bluebell in May 2006.

Bluebell rarely appears in public with her mum
Bluebell rarely appears in public with her mum(Image: Getty Images)

And while Geri keeps Bluebell and Monty out of the spotlight, she did post a photo of her daughter’s GCSE results day success on social media in 2022.

Geri wrote alongside the snap, “SO proud of you Blue, all A stars Nine GCSEs,” and Bluebell looked overjoyed as she posed in the family home. You put in a lot of effort. You motivate me. “Girl power”

However, with her two children and Christian Horner, a former Red Bull Formula One boss, behind closed doors, Geri revealed even more about her life last year. Geri stated in an interview on Cressida Bonas’ Lessons from Our Mothers podcast that she tries to be the mother she can share whatever is happening.

In a rare post about her daughter, Geri congratulated Bluebell on her GCSE results in 2022
In a rare post about her daughter, Geri congratulated Bluebell on her GCSE results in 2022(Image: therealgerihalliwell/instagram)

18 and 19 are really challenging, in my opinion. Being an adult for a toddler is similar. When a toddler is learning to walk, they are taking the steps, but somehow they want to know that their mother is there, and I believe that is true between ages 18 and 19. You want your own freedom, but you also want to check on your parents just in case.

Additionally, she previously claimed that Bluebell also refers to Christian as “daddy”. She stated to the publication, “I never made them feel forced to find their own way.”

She chose to call him [Christian] Daddy, which she did. Their bond is incredible. After having me to herself for so long, Bluey suddenly had a little stepsister, who is just so sweet and is now a baby brother, making a huge change.

She is a great child, smart and funny, and has a big heart, even for a young girl. She deserves praise.

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New Look shoppers save £32 on Skechers so comfortable shoppers ‘own 19 pairs’

Skechers fans will be able to purchase a pair of “comfortable from the beginning” shoes that won’t need to be broken in.

There’s a pair of Skechers discounted at New Look (Image: Getty)

At New Look, a pair of glowing Skechers trainers were reduced by £32. Skechers Blue Uno Stand On Air Trainers are now priced at £47, up from its original £79 price.

These trainers are also available at Skechers and Sports Direct for £65 each. A perforated material is used to create the low-top silhouette of the Skechers. The trainers have lace-up soles that are discernible. For added comfort, they also come with an air-cooled memory foam insole.

READ MORE: Shop Stacey Solomon’s exact drawers, which are “perfect” for enhancing warmth in a bedroom.

READ MORE: With this promotion, shoppers can get the “enchanting and long-lasting” Vera Wang perfume for £8.

Skechers Blue Uno Stand On Air Trainers
The Skechers have a visible cushioned sole(Image: New Look)

The Nike Air Force 1′ 07 Next Nature trainers can be purchased at Nike for a price of £109.99. There are six different colors for these classic trainers, and you can even create your own.

The Leather Color-Pop Trainers from Tommy Hilfiger have been reduced to £45 for those looking for a more affordable option. According to MyLondon, these white leather court shoes have subtle Tommy Hilfiger branding throughout.

These Skechers have received 1, 844 New Look reviews, giving them a 4.44 star rating. Despite receiving numerous negative reviews, one satisfied customer remarked, “I’m glad I bought these shoes. I’m glad I did.” Since I first received them, they have always been my go-to pair of shoes. They are by far the most comfortable pair of shoes to wear all day”!

The praise continues, “I don’t just wear these for shopping, then to the gym, and so on.” I didn’t have to break them in at all, and I found them comfortable from the beginning. Some reviewers advise against purchasing if you have weak ankles, but I don’t think that because of how well they provide excellent support all around. Overall, a fantastic pair of shoes with a tan and white sole for everyday wear. I adore them without a doubt”!

I also have 19 pairs of these trainers that both have “stand on air” and “air around you.” Very comfortable and appropriate for the majority of my polo shirts at work. Love them . Keep this aesthetic, but we need more vibrant colors.

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Of course, not everyone agreed with the comfort claims. One unhappy customer wrote, “I bought these because I really like the style in white but they make my ankles hurt, which is something I’ve never had in my life, and I wear a lot of Skechers.” I’ll make a call to see if they can be returned.

Kerry Katona reunites with ex Brian McFadden after wanting ‘better relationship’

Kerry Katona and her ex-husband Brian McFadden have reconciled to celebrate their daughter’s birthday after a turbulent relationship.

Kerry Katona and Brian McFadden, who she once dated, have reconciled.

Just weeks after admitting she wished she had a better relationship with her ex, Kerry Katona has reunited with her former husband Brian McFadden to celebrate their eldest daughter Molly’s 24 th birthday.

Molly and Lilly-Sue, both 22, are the parents of the pair, who were married from 2002 to 2006, but they have since lost touch with one another after splitting up.

However, it looks like there’s no longer any bad blood between them as Kerry, 44, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a heartfelt message for her baby girl, alongside a series of pictures of her.

One of the most interesting images, along with throwback photos of Molly from the time she was a child, shows her standing between her parents and taking sweet snaps for her birthday celebrations.

READ MORE: Kerry Katona reveals she ‘almost became an escort’ at 16 before landing model jobREAD MORE: Kerry Katona furiously defends Romeo Beckham amid nepo baby jibes

The former couple reunited to celebrate daughter Molly's 24th birthday
The former couple reunited to celebrate eldest daughter Molly’s 24th birthday(Image: Instagram)

Molly can be seen gazing from ear to ear alongside her while wearing a black and white top and a bright red lip. How on earth is my first born today, according to Kerry’s caption! Happy birthday to my adorable baby girl, @123_mollymc.

“I honestly cannot express how proud I am of the woman you’ve turned out to be… I love you all the world my baby girl and I miss you like crazy,” the Celebs Go Dating star concluded.

Over the years, the former couple haven’t had the best relationships, with Kerry frequently criticizing her ex. He was a s**t dad, she claimed in a podcast back in 2023. I’m the one who provides for them.

However, Brian has barely mentioned his ex-wife and previously went to great lengths not to mention her in the BBC documentary, Boybands Forever, which released last year.

The interviewer then yelled, “Marrying Kerry, you’re kind of… “, as Brian quickly said, “I don’t want to talk about her, no. No, without a doubt.

The two were married from 2002 to 2006
The two were married from 2002 to 2006 before divorcing(Image: Getty Images)

Kerry expressed regret over the ending of their friendship and expressed her wish for a better relationship with Kerry in June of this year.

She published a column for New! magazine: “I wish Brian and I had remained friends. I would have loved to have attended a festival with him last week, but Molly and I did not. A better relationship would be wonderful.

She appeared on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast to discuss their reunion and revealed details about their breakup. Before we got married, she said, “I didn’t know that Brian had cheated on his stag do.” After our wedding, I only learned.

He made the woman who we cheated on me with sign an NDA, which was stupid because it was written, and he made her do it with a lap dancer. She stayed put with her 15 grand, but she still showed up for the papers.

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After that with me and Brian, things never changed. So I believe Brian must have had doubts even before the wedding day because we were still infants and had to make decisions.

“I met Brian in 1999 and we separated in 2004, we divorced in 2007. Therefore, Paul, people assume that I’ve just had these things. I haven’t done that. I’ve given it my all and am sincere thanks.