It looks like they do things differently across the pond, or at least #Mel and Sue do when it comes to their show The #Great British Bake Off.
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The amount it offered Love Productions – an independent production company that makes the programme for the BBC – was £10 million a year less than what Channel 4 offered.
The Great British Bake Off, a hit reality TV show that has been hailed as a cheery avatar of multicultural, biscuit-loving modern Britain, has been torn apart in recent days over a decision by producers to leave its longtime home at the BBC for a rival network, an announcement that surprised its hosts and prompted two of them to quit on Tuesday (Sept 13).
They have presented the popular show since 2010, working alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry. The BBC is publicly funded and does not have commercials.
But reports suggest that we may in fact not get a series until 2018 after Mel and Sue announced their exits today.
They added that they were “shocked and saddened” to learn of the Bake Off’s move from the BBC.
Perkins, 46, and Giedroyc, 48, had both previously spoken of their desire to see “The Great British Bake Off” remain at the BBC.
While Perkins and Giedroyc will not return after this season, judges Berry and Hollywood have not yet reported whether they will remain with the show after the move.
“The BBC nurtured the show from its infancy and helped give it its distinctive warmth and charm”, they said.
We’re not going with the dough.
The first Bake Off programme set to be broadcast on Channel 4 will be a celebrity version of the show in 2017, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
“We’ve had the most awesome time on Bake Off, and have loved seeing it rise and rise like a pair of yeasted Latvian baps”, they added.
In a statement, the BBC shared its sadness regarding the move.
“We have no plans to change the incredibly successful format of the show which is much loved by viewers”, a spokesperson said.
For now, the Great British Bake Off continues what will be its final BBC One series at 8PM on Wednesday.
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Comedian and BBC radio presenter Danny Baker tweeted: “I don’t think channels should buy up other channels programs like swaggering football clubs”.
