Food Network
Valerie Bertinelli shared more about her exclusion from Food Network's Kids Baking Championship.
After announcing via Instagram that she would not be returning to the competition series, Bertinelli also expressed additional thoughts on X when she saw an article about her departure. She has been a presenter at Duff Goldman since 2015.
“There were never any talks, so the talks couldn't be stopped,” she said in response to a headline that suggested she wanted to continue on the cable network, but talks stalled. “I suspected that I might not be asked back when I saw that I wasn't included in the holiday specials. On Friday I received a text message from a third party informing me that I would not be returning. LOL I was basically ghosted.”
She further wrote: “I have no antipathy towards anyone at FN, I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them and they are all nice, friendly and hardworking people.” And I understand that business is business. But I won't tolerate lies. I am many things, but I am neither greedy nor a liar.”
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I have no antipathy towards anyone at FN, I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them and they are all nice, friendly and hardworking people. And I understand that business is business. But I won't tolerate lies. I am many things, but I am neither greedy nor a liar. https://t.co/evR4imC1Bd
– Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) January 21, 2024
Deadline has reached out to Food Network for comment.
On January 20, Bertinelli shared a video on IG in which she said that being eliminated from the show “really hurt my feelings.”
“I know it shouldn't be like this. Logically, I know it's about business [and] Budget cuts, right? But it really hurt me knowing that I won’t be invited back to compete in the Kids Baking Championship, it really sucks.”
The Kids Baking Championship is a competitive reality program where kids compete to make the best dish. Presentation, taste and creativity are assessed.
Bertinelli thanked her co-host and the Kids Baking Championship team and offered a few words of encouragement to all the bakers who took on the challenge.
“Oh my God, these people work so hard to give you a great show,” she said. “And all these little bakers that I got to watch growing up: I feel so lucky. And to all bakers [who] come for the new season, even if I won't be there, I will be with you in spirit. I just want you to remember: you are there for a reason [and] You are one of the best bakers in America right now, and if you don't make it to the next round, please keep that in mind [that] It’s not because you’re not a good baker, it’s because you’re just having a bad day.”