John Whaite, who was crowned the show’s top baker in 2012, says the departure of Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc could jeopardise the Bake Off’s continued success when it moves to Channel 4 next year.
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Who will replace Mel and Sue on The Great British Bake Off?
But while some have anxious about the arrival of adverts and changes to the classic formula, Channel 4’s chief creative officer Jay Hunt has attempted to put any fears to rest.
Writing in an article for The Telegraph about her decision to go after Bake Off, the network’s chief creative officer Jay Hunt insisted it would be a “safe home” for the culinary contest.
After presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins said they would be stepping down from the series, fans of the show have grown increasingly desperate for Hollywood and Mary Berry to reveal whether they will stay on as judges.
She explained: “The BBC and Love Productions grew ‘.Bake Off’ from a quaint idea into a global hit”.
Bake Off risked leaving free-to-air television altogether, with Amazon and Netflix circling the programme as negotiations between the producers and the BBC broked down, Ms Hunt suggested.
The celebrity chef has previously spoken about how much he’d love to be a judge on the hugely popular baking programme, telling Now magazine: “We watch Bake Off.
Inspiring. All attributes Channel 4 is tasked with delivering”, she said.
The TV chief used the recent move of Formula One from the BBC to Channel 4 as an example of its “good track record on protecting and growing the shows viewers love”. “They spend a huge amount of time together over the course of filming, and outside that as well. By bringing the show to Channel 4, Love Productions have ensured it will be on a terrestrial channel for audiences to enjoy for years to come”.
However, on learning Mel and Sue were not following the programme to Channel 4, he added: “Very sad news”. It is believed Channel Four had offered £10m more than the BBC for the show.
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Love Productions have reportedly signed a deal worth £75 million over the three years.
