Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley responds to "cake-gate" row
Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has responded to the "cake-gate" row that has gone viral on social media.
The story began after small business Three Little Birds Bakery owner Rebecca Severs shared an email correspondence on Facebook, in which PR firm NVRLND – who were representing a then-unnamed star later identified as Tyldesley – requested their services to cater her 40th birthday party.
It revealed that the star was asking for a 40th cake, 100 cupcakes and a smaller cake for her husband, and that "payment would be made in the form of promotion on their socials with over 700K followers, as well as promoted in OK Magazine".
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In response, the bakery quipped that they were "so sorry to hear that your client has fallen on such hard times they can't afford to pay small businesses for their products".
"Unfortunately as my mortgage provider doesn't take payment 'in the form of promotion on their socials', and my staff can't feed their kids with exposure on Instagram, I'll have to decline your very generous offer," they added.
Tyldesley has now responded herself to the story, saying she had "no idea those emails were being sent" and "would never ask anyone to work for free or provide product for free".
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"CAKE GATE - The Truth," she began the Instagram post. "This story... has gotten out of control and it’s negatively impacting a lot of wonderful people, so I need to set the record straight.
"I had no idea those emails were being sent. I would never ask anyone to work for free or provide product for free."
"NVRLND are an amazing company who I’ve worked with in the past, they raise thousands of pounds for charity and have been completely misrepresented," she continued, adding that journalists have tried to contact her.
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"There will never be a time when journalists knocking on my front door in the evening, while my young children are playing in the front room, will ever be OK! Do better!
"I genuinely do hope the bakery have got some exposure and receive lots of new orders! I’ve always supported local and small businesses.
"The abuse I have been receiving online is horrendous so hopefully this will put an end to it. And here’s to turning 40! Love Cath x".
In a video clip, the actress also said she hoped "the cake lady got the exposure she was craving".
NVRLND founder Victoria Eames has also defended their request in a statement, saying (via The Sun): "We selected Three Little Birds Bakery to collaborate with a view to support a local business and help them grow.
"Our aim is to connect small local businesses with the opportunity of growth and the possibility of a full diary, which is what we have experienced when working on past collaborations. We would never expect any business to be out of pocket and nor would our client.
"Our email communication to Three Little Birds has unfortunately been completely misconstrued. Due to contractual obligations, we are unable to comment on the identity of our client."
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