It's official: Mary Berry has announced that she will not be returning to The Great British Bake Off.

Mary revealed today that she has decided not to follow the show to Channel 4 out of "loyalty" to the BBC.

There's been public outrage since it emerged that negotiations between the BBC and Love Productions had broken down and Channel 4 had swooped to pick up the show.

Hosts Mel & Sue quickly announced that they were leaving Bake Off because they wanted it to remain on the BBC and had decided not to "go with the dough".

And now Mary Berry has followed suit, explaining that she wanted to stand by the Beeb.

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'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,'Β she said in a statement.

'What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of seven years of magic in a tent. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision.'

Berry added: 'The Bake Off family - Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter.

'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.'

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FAREWELL TO SOGGY BOTTOMS? We're not going to lie, we're crying.

Rumours suggest that Mary was offered a lot of money to move to Channel 4 with the show, but it seems it wasn't enough to tempt her away from the BBC.

We still don't know whether Paul Hollywood will stick around, though, as reports have said that he was spotted visiting Channel 4 for secret talks this week.

Even Simon Cowell has got involved in the row, offering to give the BBC a new baking show, while some have claimed that the spin-off series Creme De La Creme could remain on the Beeb for now.

The final series of the main GBBO on the BBC is currently airing on Wednesdays at 8pm on BBC One.

From: Digital Spy