Party planners organising a 40th bash for the actress approached Rebecca Severs, owner of Three Little Birds Bakery in Keighley, West Yorkshire, “asking for freebies”.
She shut down the Leeds-based party planners, NVRLND, who said she would be paid “in the form of social media promotion” by the “well-known celebrity” to create a cake (with the theme of “pinks, sparkles and a touch of flamingos”), a second cake for her husband, photographer Tom Pitfield, and 100 cupcakes.
In a tongue in cheek reply, baker Rebecca wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear that your client has fallen on such hard times they can’t afford to pay small businesses 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.”
She later told her own social media followers she had been “blown away” by the support, adding she is “so happy to see that so many other people agree that small business shouldn’t be taken advantage of!”
Catherine is best known for playing Eva Price on Coronation Street for seven years.
She left the soap in 2018, going on to star in BBC sitcom Scarborough.
Catherine also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, but was the fifth star to be voted off after a dance off with BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell.
The actress is yet to comment publicly on the free cake-saga, but her husband waded into the row.
When approached by Mail Online, Catherine’s husband insisted he knew nothing about the cake controversy or if his wife was involved.
It’s unclear whether Catherine was aware of the event planner’s requests.
In a statement, NVRLND founder Victoria Eames said: “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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