The Great British Bake Off: Paul Hollywood predictably labelled 'Judas' by fans after Channel 4 deal

Hollywood will remain as a judge on the show after its move - following Mary Berry stepping down 'out of loyalty' to the BBC

Paul Hollywood (BBC)

It's been an absolute emotional whirlwind for Bake Off fans of late.

With Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc stepping down as hosts of the programme following Channel 4's acquisition of the Love Productions show, the news was then followed by Mary Berry's announcement she would be following in their footsteps.

As if hearts weren't emotionally strained enough, Berry's departure was swiftly followed by the revelation Paul Hollywood will, in fact, remain after signing a deal to judge Bake Off on Channel 4.

"Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf," his statement read. "I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding."

A revelation that will inevitably be greeted by mixed reactions from fans; some delighted that at least one element of the original BBC show will remain intact, while others will be furious Hollywood failed to show solidarity with his fellow co-stars. The latter group, certainly, already has a nickname up their sleeve for the man.

Fans also have, pretty much, all been making exactly the same joke. Who can resist the siren's call of a good pun?

Paul Hollywood has tweeted his thanks to Mary Berry, after her name was conspicuously absent from his released statement.