Valerie Bertinelli Opens Up About Her Heartbreaking Departure From 'Kids Baking Championship'

Food Network fans were absolutely heartbroken when they found out that Valerie Bertinelli wouldn’t be returning for the next season of Kids Baking Championship. The beloved star opened up about her unexpected exit from the show in early 2024, sharing some deeply personal feelings and shedding light on what really happened behind the scenes.

When Did Valerie Bertinelli Become Part of ‘Kids Baking Championship’?

Back in 2015, Valerie Bertinelli stepped into the kitchen alongside Duff Goldman as a cohost for Kids Baking Championship. It was the start of an incredible journey that would see her grow into one of Food Network's most recognizable faces. In 2018, she inked a multi-series deal with Food Network, as reported by Variety. This agreement allowed her to expand her presence across multiple shows, including Valerie’s Home Cooking, Family Food Showdown, and Family Restaurant Rivals. Beyond hosting, Valerie made guest appearances on numerous other programs, showcasing her versatility and charm.

Why Did Valerie Bertinelli Depart From ‘Kids Baking Championship’?

On January 20, 2024, Valerie delivered the news that she had been let go from Kids Baking Championship. In a candid Instagram video, she expressed how much the show meant to her and how painful the departure felt. “Without sounding overly dramatic, this show saved my life,” she shared. “Working with such an incredible team, feeling productive, knowing I could spread kindness—it gave me something to hold onto during tough times. It was like a lifeline, and it really hurts knowing I won’t get to go back and say, ‘Hey, I made it through.’”

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Adding to her emotional response, Valerie, who divorced her husband Tom Vitale in 2022, continued, “I wanted to sit with it because it truly hurt my feelings, and I know logically that it’s just business, budget cuts, and all that. But hearing that I wouldn’t be asked back to Kids Baking Championship? That really stung. It’s disappointing, to say the least.”

Just a day later, Valerie addressed the rumors swirling around her exit, setting the record straight in a follow-up post on X. “There were never any discussions about my return, so there was nothing to stall,” she clarified on January 21, 2024. “I first got a hint I might not be coming back when I noticed I wasn’t included in the holiday specials. Then, on Friday, I received a text from a third party confirming that I wouldn’t be returning. Honestly, I felt ghosted.”

Valerie also emphasized her respect for Food Network and its staff, despite the circumstances. “I have nothing but love and admiration for everyone at FN,” she wrote. “Every moment I spent working there was special, and the people are genuinely kind and hardworking. Business decisions are part of the game, but I won’t tolerate falsehoods. Let me be clear—I’m many things, but I’m not greedy or dishonest.”

Fans were understandably upset by the news, prompting Valerie’s manager, Marc Schwartz, to issue a statement. “Her contract expired, and they chose not to renew it. They could have approached me with an offer specifically for Kids, but they never did. That’s the bottom line,” he explained to Variety on January 23, 2024. Food Network remained silent on the matter, never publicly addressing Valerie or her manager’s comments.

Who Replaced Valerie Bertinelli on ‘Kids Baking Championship’?

On October 2, 2024, People announced that Kardea Brown, a seasoned Food Network personality, would step in as Valerie’s replacement on Kids Baking Championship. Kardea will join Duff Goldman as cohost for the upcoming season, set to premiere in early 2025.

“Sharing my passion for food has always been a dream, and I’m thrilled to keep moving forward with Food Network,” Kardea said in a statement. “I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with our amazing fans and showcase these talented young bakers, big and small, and their incredible creations.”

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Duff chimed in after Kardea was officially named as the new cohost. “Kardea has been fantastic to work with. She’s doing an incredible job. She’s amazing with kids, and her heart is so big,” he praised. “She’s really bringing a lot to the table.”