Mary Berry quits The Great British Bake Off - statement in full: 'Farewell to soggy bottoms'

'What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of 7 years of magic in a tent'

(Rex)

The Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry has announced her departure from the show following Channel 4's acquisition.

Berry following in the footsteps of presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins who also announced their allegiance to the BBC.

Read Berry's wonderful statement below citing her infamous innuendo about certain soggy bottoms.

Mary Berry's GBBO statement in full

“What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of 7 years of magic in a tent – The Great British Bake Off. The Bake Off family – Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter.

"My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision.

"I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it. Farewell to soggy bottoms.” 

Director of BBC Content, Charlotte Moore, hinted in a statement further cooking shows featuring Berry could be coming to the BBC: "Mary is an extraordinary woman, loved and adored by the British public, and the BBC is her natural home.

"I've been very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Mary over the last seven years and I'm so pleased that relationship will continue. She is an inspiration to generations, a real icon and I can't wait to cook up more unmissable shows with her in the future."

Meanwhile, Paul Hollywood has announced that he will be remaining with Bake Off as it moves to Channel 4. In his statement, he thanked Mel, Sue, and the BBC, but failed to mention Berry.