Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and long-time host of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, has announced her departure from the show after 12 seasons. In an emotional video message posted to Instagram on Saturday, Bertinelli revealed that budget cuts were the reason behind her exit from the popular baking competition show for kids.
The 63-year-old actress, best known for her role in the sitcom Hot in Cleveland, expressed hurt feelings over the decision, acknowledging the business rationale behind it but still conveying the personal impact of the news.
“I know it’s not supposed to. Logically, I know it’s business [and] budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings to know that I’m not going to be asked back to be on Kids Baking Championship really sucks,” Bertinelli said in the heartfelt video.
For Bertinelli, the show had taken on an even greater significance over the past year, providing a sense of purpose during a challenging period in her personal life. Specifically, she credited Kids Baking Championship for being a “floatation device” amidst her divorce from second husband Tom Vitale, which she described as the “apex year of hell.”
The actress expressed gratitude for the relationships she built during her 12 seasons on the show, thanking her team and appreciating the hard work of the show’s crew. She also offered encouraging words to future contestants, urging them to believe in themselves and push through any struggles or setbacks in the competition.
“Always, always believe in yourself. Please do that for me. And keep baking. I’ll miss you guys,” Bertinelli warmly told the camera.
Bertinelli had been slated to reunite with longtime co-host Duff Goldman for the upcoming new season of Kids Baking Championship before being let go. According to People Magazine sources, her previous contract had ended and negotiations for a renewal hit obstacles when Bertinelli’s team sought more favorable terms.
While one source emphasized that Food Network opted not to renew her contract, another indicated that talks stalled over differing expectations between the network and Bertinelli’s representation. The network has not yet provided public comment on the decision.
This is not the first surprising Food Network departure for Bertinelli. Last year, the network abruptly canceled her show Valerie’s Home Cooking following a successful 14-season run, offering minimal explanation at the time.
Kids Baking Championship features young bakers between the ages of 10 and 13 competing in difficult baking challenges and showcasing their skills and creativity. Bertinelli had been a fixture on the show since it premiered in 2015, developing close bonds with many contestants over the years.
Her warm, maternal presence provided encouragement and support to kids throughout the competition. She often comforted visibly upset bakers after harsh critiques, boosting their confidence to try again. Many fans considered Bertinelli the heart of the show.
In her video message, the former One Day at a Time star was clearly emotional yet gracious about the news, recognizing the entertainment industry’s economic realities while still conveying the profound personal impact of the loss.
Bertinelli joins high-profile Food Network stars like Bobby Flay whose contracts have come to contentious ends in recent months amid reports of paltry offers. With her contract negotiations stalling, network executives made the decision to move forward without her involvement.
For loyal viewers, Bertinelli’s absence will be undoubtedly felt when Kids Baking Championship returns for its next season. Her empathy and kindness helped make the show a compelling and heartwarming watch that appealed to both kids and parents.
While the business decision makes sense for the network’s bottom line, Bertinelli’s disappointed fans will certainly miss seeing the TV icon cheer on and encourage the next generation of young bakers when they need it most.
