Great British Bake Off contestant shuts bakeries

The Pudding Stop shops across Hertfordshire did not open on Monday, the company said on its Facebook page and website

A former contestant on The Great British Bake Off has announced he has shut all his bakery businesses due to "significant challenges".

Johnny Shepherd, who appeared in the TV show in its first BBC series in 2010, said his St Albans-based company, The Pudding Stop, had closed, with the "devastating" loss of 30 jobs.

It had a number of shops across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Harpenden and Radlett - and a bakery in Redbourn - as well as a mobile unit based at St Albans railway station.

On its website it said it had worked "tirelessly to keep The Pudding Stop going" and it was "with a heavy heart" the decision had been taken.

The business, Mr Shepherd wrote on the website, started in 2011 "when we parked our Pudmobile (a small van, selling freshly made puddings) at St Albans Station".

It was a "home to a dedicated and passionate team of bakers, baristas and servers, we're incredibly proud that our little shop has become a much loved venue for our local community".

It also ran The Pizza Shop from the Redbourn bakery.

The Great British Bake Off first appeared on the BBC in 2010 and, the following year, judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry were joined by presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc

"It's no secret that the past few years have brought significant challenges, and throughout that time, we've worked tirelessly to keep The Pudding Stop going", the business said.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close the business."

It confirmed all its locations shut on Monday.

Mr Shepherd posted on Facebook that "30 employees" were looking for new jobs.

"Some have been with us for over 10 years," he said.

"It is a devastating situation be in."

He appealed for other businesses to get in touch to offer them a position.