After 12 seasons as the cohost of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, Valerie Bertinelli, 62, has confirmed her departure from the beloved show, expressing her deep emotional connection to the series in a heartfelt Instagram video on Saturday, January 20.
In the emotional video, Bertinelli shared her candid feelings about the news, admitting that the decision “really hurt [her] feelings.” Despite understanding the business and budgetary reasons behind her departure, she revealed the personal impact it had on her.
The actress, who has cohosted the show alongside celebrity chef Duff Goldman since 2015, expressed her deep disappointment, emphasizing that the ongoing airing of episodes, filmed in the summer of 2022, marked a particularly challenging time in her life.
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Reflecting on the tumultuous year of 2022, which included her divorce from ex-husband Tom Vitale, Bertinelli credited the show with providing a much-needed lifeline during a difficult period. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the show’s crew and the young bakers, acknowledging the profound impact the experience had on her.
Despite her departure, Bertinelli conveyed her support for the upcoming season’s participants, offering words of encouragement and reassurance to the aspiring bakers. She also took the opportunity to express her appreciation for the hardworking production crew and the joy of witnessing the growth of the young contestants.
In response to Bertinelli’s departure, Food Network has not publicly confirmed the future of Kids Baking Championship, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the show’s next steps.
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The news of Bertinelli’s departure has sparked a wave of support and appreciation from fans, who have taken to social media to express their gratitude for her contribution to the show and their best wishes for her future endeavors.
Bertinelli’s departure from Kids Baking Championship marks the end of an era, leaving a void that fans hope will be filled with the same warmth and enthusiasm that she brought to the show for over half a decade.
