In a lengthy video on Instagram, actress Valerie Bertinelli announced she will no longer be part of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship which she co-hosted alongside Duff Goldman.
“It really hurt my feelings, and I know it’s not supposed to,” she said. “Logically I know it’s business. Budget cuts, right?”
Bertinelli didn’t hide the fact that the show, especially the current season, meant so much to her.
She was in talks to continue her journey with the show but the “talks stalled” as she and her team “decided they wanted more” after which she was let go on Friday.
“Her deal was up, and [Food Network] chose not to renew. They did not make a new offer, but Valerie very much wanted to continue,” another source said.
At the time the current season was filmed, Bertinelli went through the divorce with ex-husband Tom Vitale and being part of the show made her feel productive and as she was spreading kindness in the world.
“Without sounding like a drama queen, the show saved my life,” Bertinelli said, adding that it was “like a floatation device” in what she portrayed as her “apex year of hell.”
“So it really hurts that I won’t be able to go back and see everybody and say, ‘Hey, I made it through,’” she added.
Bertinelli, who has hosted the show since its fisrt season in 2015, went on to praise her fellow co-host as well as the “really wonderful people” she worked with over the prior 12 seasons.
“To all the bakers that are coming in for the new season, even though I won’t be there, I’ll be with you in spirit,” The Hot in Cleveland star concluded the video.
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