The Great British Bake Off will move to Channel 4 following its current series after rights negotiations between the BBC and production company Love Productions collapsed over price. The BBC deemed Love Productions' financial demands 'unaffordable', leading to a three-series deal with Channel 4.
Jay Hunt, Channel 4's chief creative officer, said the broadcaster was thrilled to secure the show, adding: 'I'm delighted we have been able to partner with the hugely talented team at Love Productions to keep this much-loved show on free-to-air television.' The switch risks losing judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, and co-hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, none of whom were consulted during negotiations.
Love Productions, 70% owned by Sky, said in an internal email it was 'really saddened by this outcome because we always wanted to stay on the BBC'. It added: 'Unfortunately, we were unable to agree either a fair valuation, nor were the BBC able to provide the necessary comfort for the future protection of such a distinctive and much-loved television series.'
The BBC offered about £15m to keep Bake Off, including spinoff shows, but Love Productions valued it above £20m. Sources say the transfer to Channel 4 could be worth around £25m including sponsorship. The launch episode of series seven drew a record 10 million viewers, nearly half the total viewing audience.
Losing Bake Off is a huge blow to the BBC, which described it as a 'quintessential' programme. A BBC executive said: 'We made a very strong offer to keep the show, but we are a considerable distance apart on the money. The BBC's resources are not infinite.' This is not the first time Channel 4 has poached talent from the BBC, following similar moves with Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty.
