CATHERINE Tyldesley has reportedly cancelled her 40th birthday party after being left 'blindsided' by her cakegate scandal.
Former Corrie star Catherine, 39, hit headlines earlier this month when events firm NVRLND attempted to persuade a small bakery to make 100 cupcakes and a full-sized birthday cake in exchange for exposure.
It all kicked off when the bakery shared the email enquiry as well as their own response declining the proposition because 'social media likes can't pay their employees' wages'.
It led Catherine to release a video in which she denied wanting free goods and said she hoped the bakery got "the publicity they craved", which drew criticism.
But now, the whole debacle has forced the actress to call the big bash off altogether, according to new claims.
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A source told The Mirror, “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 took to social media to address the claims, joking: "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."
Her friend and comedian Jason Manford jumped to her defence, though.
Chatting to his 1.4M followers, Jason took to Facebook to share a snap of him enjoying a cup of tea while 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.
"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!!!
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"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's rep declined to comment when contacted by The Sun.
