'The Great British Bake Off' Is Moving To Channel 4, But Will Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood And Mel And Sue Follow?
By Stephanie Chase in Movies / TV / Theatre on 13 September 2016
The news that the BBC has lost the rights to broadcast the popular baking competition has shocked fans, who are left wondering if the judges and presenters will follow.
‘The Great British Bake Off’ turned into the great British bidding war yesterday when it was revealed that the BBC had lost the rights to air the show, after falling to pay the reported £25 million a year asked for by production company, Love Productions. The rights were soon snapped up by Channel 4, in a move that has angered many viewers and raised questions about the show's future.
Will Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Mel and Sue still being overseeing the ‘GBBO’ on Channel 4?
Now we know where the show will be residing the big question is, will judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood and presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Geidroyc stick around? The foursome have always been supportive of the 'Bake Off' staying on the BBC and now fans are left questioning their future.
More: This Will Be The Last Series Of Great British Bake Off On The BBC
Speaking to The Sun about the show’s move away from the BBC, 81-year-old Berry said: “I have no idea, anything that happens is nothing to do with my choice.” But last month it was reported that Berry, along with Hollywood, had made it clear to Love Productions that they wanted to stay with the BBC, reportedly urging them to reject a £21million offer from ITV.
Hollywood was also asked about the show’s potential move when he was a guest on ‘Top Gear’ earlier this year, and told host Chris Evans: “It’s not up to us, it’s up to the production company, but as far as Mary, Mel, Sue and myself are concerned we want to stay on the BBC.”
As for hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Geidroyc, they started their TV careers on Channel 4 in the nineties presenting show ‘Light Lunch’, but that doesn't mean the duo are keen to return home. While neither has commented on the move, Perkins did retweet the BBC’s statement on losing the rights to the show, while ignoring Channel Four's announcement.
More: Gregg Wallace Slams Mary Berry's Comments About Deep-Fat Fryers
‘The Great British Bake Off’ first aired in 2010 and has been a massive ratings hit for the BBC ever since. The current series began airing on BBC One last month, with over 10.4 million viewers tuning in for the debut episode.
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