26 August 2023 , 17:11
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Catherine Tyldesley has cancelled her lavish 40th birthday celebration in the wake of a row over her party planner’s request for free cakes.
The former Corrie star had booked events firm NVRLND to manage the upcoming bash, but was left red faced when a bakery they contacted revealed they had suggested payment “in the form of promotion”. Cath later took to her socials to explain, titling the post, “Cakegate – The Truth”.
The actress told fans she had faced horrendous trolling online and insisted she always supported small businesses. But sources say Catherine has now quietly scrapped the bash. One says: “Cath was blindsided by Cakegate and found the whole thing very upsetting so she’s decided on a quieter celebration. “She doesn’t blame NVRLND, but the whole situation left a sour taste so she felt it best to call it off."
(Catherine Tyldesley Instagram)
(Getty Images)Cakegate kicked off last month when Rebecca Severs, owner of the Three Little Birds bakery in Keighley, West Yorks, received a request for two bespoke cakes and 100 cupcakes. She was told there would be no cash payment for her goods but as it was for a “well-known celebrity”, she would be rewarded in publicity.
Sharing her reply on Facebook, Rebecca said: “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.”
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Cath – who is said to have been unaware of the email – later took to Instagram to hail NVRLND as an “amazing company”, and added: “I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving.” Although surely if Rebecca had craved exposure, she’d have just put her apron on – and not turned the heat so high.