Renowned actress and long-time host of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, Valerie Bertinelli, recently shared the heart-wrenching news of her departure from the beloved show after 12 seasons. The 63-year-old actress, famous for her role in Hot in Cleveland, took to Instagram to express her feelings about the unexpected turn of events.
Budget Cuts Prompt Valerie Bertinelli’s Exit
In a candid video posted on Saturday, January 20, Bertinelli opened up about the reasons behind her departure, citing “budget cuts” as the driving force. Despite the logical understanding of the decision as a business move, she admitted that the news had deeply hurt her feelings.
“I’ve been avoiding facing what I got confirmation of last night, and I didn’t want to talk about it last night because I wanted to sleep on it because it hurt my feelings,” shared Bertinelli in the heartfelt video.
Acknowledging the pragmatic aspect of the decision, Bertinelli recognized the show’s budget constraints as the catalyst for her exit. She expressed the emotional toll of knowing she wouldn’t be returning to Kids Baking Championship, describing it as a significant disappointment.
Kids Baking Championship: A Lifeline for Bertinelli
Bertinelli emotionally conveyed the significance of Kids Baking Championship in her life, especially during a challenging period marked by her divorce from Tom Vitale. She described the show as a “floatation device” that provided her with a sense of purpose and productivity during what she referred to as her “apex year of hell.”
In the video, Bertinelli shared her appreciation for the hard work of the show’s crew and the growth of the young bakers over the years. Despite her own disappointment, she extended gratitude to the team and wished the contestants of the upcoming season well, encouraging them to believe in themselves and persevere through any challenges.
The Ghosting Allegation and Industry Dynamics
Following her social media announcement, Bertinelli claimed that the Food Network had essentially “ghosted” her just before letting her go from Kids Baking Championship. Responding to reports of stalled talks over her contract, she clarified that there were no discussions and that she had an inkling she might not be returning when she was not included in the holiday specials.
While Bertinelli harbors no ill will toward Food Network and appreciates her time working with them, she emphasized her intolerance for misinformation and denied any claims of greed or dishonesty on her part.
Support from Celebrities and Fans
Upon learning about Bertinelli’s departure, celebrities like Khloé Kardashian and Debbie Gibson expressed their support and empathy. Khloé Kardashian, a dedicated viewer of the show, even mentioned considering signing a petition to bring Bertinelli back.
A Fond Farewell
In conclusion, Valerie Bertinelli’s unexpected departure from the Kids Baking Championship marks the end of an era for the actress and the show’s devoted fans. Her genuine connection with the contestants and the joy she brought to the show will undoubtedly be missed. As the culinary community processes this news, many hope for a change of heart or a new opportunity for Bertinelli in the world of food entertainment.