Mary Berry's agent has insisted the presenter has 'absolutely no plans to retire' after the star announced she will not be judging the next series of The Great British Bake Off.
Mary Berry has “absolutely no plans to retire”, despite reports she only intends to work for another year, her agent has said.
The Great British Bake Off judge announced this week she will leave the show when it moves to Channel 4 from the BBC.
Fiona Lindsay, Mary’s agent for 25 years, said: “It has been reported that Mary only intends to work another year – that’s simply wrong, she has lots of exciting projects coming up – including on TV with the BBC – and has absolutely no plans to retire.”
Mary, 81, bid “farewell to soggy bottoms” when she quit the hugely popular baking show out of loyalty to the BBC.
In a statement, Mary said: "What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of seven 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."
Presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins have also opted not to follow the dough and stay put at the BBC, with only Paul Hollywood moving to the rival channel after he declared the tent is “where I belong”.
On Friday, comedian Jo Brand, the host of BBC Two’s Bake Off spin-off An Extra Slice, joked about Mary to ITV’s Lorraine: “She probably wants to put her feet up. I’m 20 years younger and I’d quite like to put my feet up… She’s amazing.
“I’d like to think she will come round my house and bake exclusively for me.”
It has already been announced that Mary will be a guest on James Martin’s Christmas With Friends, in which the chef will create four festive recipes and be joined by his celebrity friends and cooking stars, including Mary.
The show will air on the Food Network on November 14 and 21.
She will also appear in the two Bake Off Christmas specials when they air on the BBC later this year.
