Jason Manford defends pal Catherine Tyldesley over huge ‘cakegate’ fallout

JASON Manford has shared his thoughts on Catherine Tyldesley’s cake scandal.

The Coronation Street actress recently came under-fire when it was revealed that a free cake had been requested on her behalf, from a small business.

Jason Manford has defended Catherine Tyldesley amid cake-gate drama

Jason took things into his own hands and shared this snap on FacebookCredit: Instagram

Catherine, 39, has since been criticised for slamming the baker after they exposed the ask for a free birthday cake in exchange for publicity on Instagram.

Now, friend and comedian Jason has jumped to Catherine’s defence.

Chatting to his 1.4M followers, Jason took to Facebook to share a snap of him enjoying a cup of tea whilst dressed as a lion for The Wizard Of Oz musical.

He wrote: “What’s this? A local business asking a celeb to plug their business for free online. One of several requests we get asked a day.

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“More than happy to help out the @thesoho_hotel and tell everyone to get down there and enjoy their yummy Wizard Of Oz afternoon tea!

“It’s a weird old business showbiz, a reciprocal, symbiotic relationship has flourished online where business and celebs/influencers have become entwined into helping each other out, often for free, simply to share and promote one another. Often for free stuff!!!

“If either a business or a celeb ever don’t want to do it, a simple no thank you will suffice from either party. No witch hunt, no calling people out. Just an unwritten code. Show love. Show respect. #peaceout (Also the cakes were genuinely delicious).”

Catherine took to social media this week to address the claims, stating: “Cake gate.

“What? Um, utterly bizarre, I don’t really know what to say.

“I mean, I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving.”

A company organising a 40th bash for the actress had approached the small business over a hefty order for two bespoke cakes.

However, they shut down Leeds-based party planners NVRLND who said she would be paid “in the form of social media promotion” by the “well-known celebrity”.

Their brief included a request for a free cake for Catherine’s 40th birthday – which falls in September – and 100 cupcakes.

The actress has been slammed on social media, despite denying knowledge of the outreachCredit: Getty

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