Mary Berry quits Bake Off while Paul Hollywood stays

Mary Berry has quit the Great British Bake Off, but Paul Hollwood plans to join the show on Channel 4.

GBBO will move from the BBC for the next three series, something that presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have already opted out of.

On Wednesday, Berry, 81, announced she would also stay with the BBC out of "loyalty", adding that the show was a "unique and brilliant format".

But Hollywood revealed he will stay with the programme as it moves channels, despite overtures from the BBC about presenting Top Gear.

In a statement, Berry said: "What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of 7 years of magic in a tent - The Great British Bake Off.

"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".

"Farewell to soggy bottoms," she added.

Paul Hollywood turned down the opportunity to appear on Top Gear Credit: PA

The Director of BBC Content, Charlotte Moore, said: "Mary is an extraordinary woman, loved and adored by the British public, and the BBC is her natural home.

"I've been very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Mary over the last seven years and I'm so pleased that relationship will continue".

A TV source said of Hollywood: "He was offered a significant role on Top Gear. It was serious money. The word is he would only get it if he signed up exclusively to the BBC".

Hollywood himself said GBBO had been a "huge part" of his life, and that he he felt he couldn't "turn my back on all that".

Fans of the show took to Twitter to celebrate - or, in some cases, commiserate - the news of Berry's departure.

Meanwhile, the reaction to Hollywood's decision from fans was mixed.

Joey1970 tweeted: "Paul Hollywood I thinks it's the wrong decision but good luck to you", while Andy Jacksson added: "Not watching Bake-Off just for Paul Hollywood. It's all four of them or nothing".

But Helen McCarthy wrote: "Don't slag off Paul Hollywood, as if you'd turn down millions to eat cake and judge people,".

ZlatOnPitch was also supportive: "Meanwhile everyone in the UK is angry at Paul Hollywood for... well... earning a living".