FORMER Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley might have failed to blag free birthday cake for her 40th – but she's not done badly when it comes to lucrative social media deals.
The actress, 39, hit headlines this week when she became embroiled in 'cakegate', which saw her representatives attempt 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 the Mail has now looked into those social media posts of Catherine's that are clearly defined as 'ads' or 'gifted' – an Advertising Standards Authority requirement since 2018 – and established a raft of benefits in exchange for social posts, something, it must be said, that is common amongst stars with a large following.
Seemingly the most lavish deal Catherine has struck resulted in a complementary all-electric BMW SUV.
READ MORE ON CATHERINE TYLDESLEY
Jason Manford defends pal Catherine Tyldesley over huge ‘cakegate’ fallout
Let’s hope more sponging celebs end up with egg on their face after Cakegate
In April 2022, not long after giving birth to daughter Iris Catherine collected a £72k white BMW iX3 from the Williams Motor Group in Manchester.
She wrote at the time: "I can't begin to tell you how special and unique the 'reveal' and handover process is. Epic would be the right word."
And there have been sporadic posts since plugging the dealership and its models of electric BMWs.
The family home, which was renovated in 2021, has also had a helping hand courtesy of brand deals.
Most read in Celebrity
Heartbreaking details emerge about S Club's Paul's struggles before death at 46
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul star dead at 83 after secret 'short illness'
Inside skint Stephen Bear's home as shamed star puts it on the market for £525k
Inside Louis Tomlinson’s luxury Scooby Doo-themed campervan with huge TV
The modern kitchen is reportedly worth £13,000 and was installed as part of a partnership with Magnet, while stylish furniture including a £3,999 settee from Sofology, a £499 footstool and a Primrose online garden centre double egg chair worth £699.99 all appear to have been gifted.
Catherine's wardrobe also comprises of some lavish gifted items such as LK Bennett leather sandals worth £259 and a £499 dress from the same brand. She has also posted about a £395 Fairfax & Favor trenchcoat and a £250 suede crossbody bag.
In addition there have been family staycation trips and high price gadgets that have also appeared in posts branded 'ad'.
Catherine's pal Jason Manford came to her defence on yesterday.
In a now deleted post that saw him drinking tea while dressed as Lion from The Wizard of Oz, 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!!!
"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)."
Read More on The Sun
Inside Paris Fury’s relatable life – from days out with her 6 kids to B&M trips
EastEnders legend unrecognisable 25 years after shock soap exit
Source: Read Full Article
