Four of the most famous Flake girls – the models and actresses who appeared in what has been described as the sexiest advert on television – have spoken of their fears that Cadbury will fall into foreign hands.
The four Flake girls join a remarkable 21,694 Mail on Sunday readers who have joined our Keep Cadbury British Campaign since it was launched just three weeks ago.
Cadbury Flake girl Alyssa, 2007
Cadbury will attempt to defend the shares tomorrow in an appeal to those who may be considering taking up the offer.
Last night Hoima MacDonald, the original Flake girl who launched the iconic Sixties advertising campaign, said a takeover by Kraft Foods – which produces Hershey bars – should ‘not be allowed to happen’.
Mrs MacDonald, 61, went to Portugal in 1968 to film the advert in which she waded into a lake before nibbling on a Flake. She said: ‘Cadbury is British and it is unthinkable that it would ever be anything else. The company is as British as a traditional Sunday roast or a pint of bitter.
‘I was extremely upset to hear about the possibility of an American takeover. It must not be allowed to happen.
‘Anyway, the taste of Cadbury chocolate is quite unlike anything else, creamy and delicious. We must fight this tooth and nail.’
Sweet Memories: Catrina, 1983 (left) and Eva, 1971
The Streets star Mike Skinner and celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson, have already voiced their anger at news of the takeover bid.
Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, also said the Government would oppose any buyer who failed to respect the traditions of the chocolate maker.
One of the most recent of the 30 women to inherit the role of Flake girl, in 2007, is Alyssa Sutherland, 27, a supermodel from Australia. She is now based in New York, where she is building a career as an actress after a part in the film The Devil Wears Prada.
She said: ‘If Hershey took over Cadbury, I worry that they would change the recipe.’
Also keen to add her objection to the offer is Catrina Skepper, 47, now a
television presenter, who starred in the commercial in 1983.
Ms Skepper, who dated Prince Andrew shortly after the screening of her eating a Flake bar in a waterfall, said: ‘The traditions and the ethical values of Cadbury are so very British.
'The brand is as British as Coca-Cola is American. It should remain so.’
And Eva Rueber-Staier, who was the 1971 Flake girl after winning Miss World in 1969, was also concerned.
Austrian-born Ms Rueber-Staier, who now lives with her husband Brian in Pinner, North-West London, said: ‘It really would be a shame for this takeover to happen. It is a British institution, such a long-standing part of British culture with its traditions.’