Valerie Bertinelli Exits ‘Kids Baking Championship’ – Reason for Her Replacement

Valerie Bertinelli Shocks Fans with Exit from Kids Baking Championship

In a surprising turn of events for Food Network viewers, Valerie Bertinelli announced she would not be returning for a new season of Kids Baking Championship. This revelation, which she shared in early 2024, left many fans heartbroken.

Bertinelli began her journey on Kids Baking Championship in 2015, cohosting alongside Duff Goldman. Over the years, she secured a multiseries deal with Food Network, hosting shows like Valerie’s Home Cooking and Family Food Showdown. In her recent Instagram video, Valerie expressed her deep sadness about her departure, stating, “Without sounding overly dramatic, the show saved my life.” She emphasized how working with wonderful people helped her navigate through difficult times and provided her with a sense of purpose.

On January 20, 2024, Valerie revealed that she had been ousted from the show. Despite understanding the nature of business decisions, she candidly shared her pain. “Logically, I know that it’s business, budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings,” she said, reflecting on the emotional impact of the news. The following day, she took to social media again to address misinformation surrounding her departure, clarifying that she had not been part of any discussions about her future on the series.

Valerie’s manager later confirmed the news to the press, stating that her contract had expired and Food Network chose not to renew it. As fans expressed their disappointment, Food Network stayed silent on the matter.

On October 2, 2024, it was confirmed that veteran host Kardea Brown would be stepping in to replace Valerie alongside Duff Goldman in the upcoming season, set to air in early 2025. Kardea expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “Having the chance to share my love of food has been a dream come true.”

Duff also praised Kardea’s skills, noting how well she connects with children. Amid all the changes, Bertinelli’s departure remains a poignant moment for both her and the fans who cherished her role on the show.