The BBC are keen to launch a new show to rival 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry on The Great British Bake Off

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry on The Great British Bake Off

Despite incoming BBC boss David Clementi previously insisting the broadcaster wouldn't be launching a programme to rival the baking series, which is moving to Channel 4, it has been revealed that "very high-level discussions" have been taking place for a BBC cookery show, which would "directly compete" with 'Bake Off'.

A source said: "Launching their own version of the show has long been rumoured since Channel 4 swooped in on 'Bake Off'.

"But things have picked up pace in the last few weeks and very high-level discussions have happened where a BBC version of a cookery or baking show that would directly compete with Paul and Channel 4 has been seriously talked about."

However, it is not thought that Mary Berry, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc - who stayed loyal to the BBC after Paul Hollywood opted to move to a rival channel - will be appearing in the new show.

A spokesperson for BBC Studios said: "The nature of TV production means there are always lots of creative ideas in development but until ideas are commissioned we don't comment on them. Nothing has been commissioned yet."

It comes after David Clementi admitted he felt the show had peaked in 2015, when Nadiya Hussain took the crown.

He said last month: "My personal opinion is they need to find a different format. My very personal view is that it peaked with Nadiya Hussain. That's a very personal view, not the BBC's and good luck to Channel 4."

Meanwhile, Channel 4 has started filming their version of 'The Great British Bake Off', with the hope it could be on screens by the end of 2017.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "This has been a massive blockage which would have seen the show off air until 2018. That could have done real damage to the brand. But most importantly, the fans would have missed out.

"It's great news they've agreed not to enforce the contract - and the producers can get on with bringing it back to screens this year."

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