Channel 4 in secret talks to renew Great British Bake Off

27 June 2018

Channel 4 are in "secret talks" to renew the 'Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood

The broadcaster is only a year into their three-year deal with format creator Love Productions, but they're already thinking about extending the contract beyond 2019 because they don't want any rivals - including ITV and Netflix - swooping in and snapping it up after it proved a ratings smash hit when it aired last year.

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "The ink on Channel 4's 'Bake Off' deal has barely dried, but they're not taking any chances of losing it like the BBC did. After airing just one of the three series agreed in 2016 -- which gave them some of their best ratings ever -- securing its future has been a top priority

"By comparison, the BBC were still negotiating with Love while the third and final series of their last 'Bake Off' deal was on TV.

"Channel 4 had to fight off ITV and Netflix to land the show. They would be salivating at the thought of 'Bake Off' being back up for grabs. Channel 4's commitment has impressed Love, whose uninflated price tag will help get the deal done quicker."

Channel 4 reportedly cough up £25 million a year for 'GBBO' and Love Productions are so impressed with its commitment that they're not planning to increase the sum.

Love Productions are remaining tight-lipped on the "secret talks" it's having with Channel 4 but they have confirmed they're "delighted with the success" of 'GBBO'.

A spokesman said: "We're delighted with the success of 'The Great British Bake Off' on Channel 4 and the fantastic creative partnership we have with Love Productions."

'GBBO' launched in 2010 on the BBC and was presented by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, while Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry were the judges.

However, in 2017, Channel 4 snatched the rights to the baking show from the broadcaster, which led to Mary, Sue and Mel quitting out of "loyalty" to the BBC.

Channel 4's 'GBBO' is fronted by Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig with Paul - who accepted a mega-money deal to move with the show - and Prue Leith as the judges.