Home TV News Updated: The BBC loses rights The Great British Bake Off To Channel 4

Updated: The BBC loses rights The Great British Bake Off To Channel 4

by Dave Elliott
The BBC loses rights The Great British Bake Off!

The BBC loses rights The Great British Bake Off!

The BBC have apparently LOST the rights to The Great British Bake Off  to Channel 4 it has been announced.

“Channel 4 is very proud to be the new home for The Great British Bake Off,” commented Channel 4’s CCO Jay Hunt. “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.”

Negotiations between Bake Off’s production company Love Productions and the BBC had been ongoing for around 12 months, but they have broken down, citing issues with both money and development of the brand.

“After an extraordinary six-year journey with the BBC, Love Productions announces with regret that it has been unable to reach agreement on terms to renew the commission of The Great British Bake Off,” said a Love Productions spokesperson. “We will now be focusing on finding a new partner to develop the familiar show that the British public turn to in their millions. Love Productions would like to thank the BBC for the role it played in making this show such an enormous hit, and the faith they showed in us over the years to develop it.”

In an email to staff they further commented “We are really saddened by this outcome because we always wanted to stay on the BBC. As recently as June we were convinced that was what would happen. This has never been about who might write the biggest cheque, but about where we can find the best home for Bake Off. Unfortunately we were unable to agree either a fair valuation, and nor were the BBC able to provide the necessary comfort for the future protection of such a distinctive and much-loved television series.”

When asked if this decision could be reversed, the Love Productions spokesperson said no… So Bake Off is, well, off… to find a new home! Original reports suggested the contract with the BBC states the show would have to be have a year break if it goes to another network, but that is apparently not the case.

However, Mel & Sue have quit as hosts, and there is apparently no deal in place for Paul & Mary… So the show that goes to 4 may be called The Great British Bake Off, but there is a good chance it won’t be the Bake Off you know and love…

The first Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 will be a celebrity version in 2017.

 

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