Paul Hollywood signs three-year GBBO deal

22 September 2016

Paul Hollywood has signed a three-year deal with the 'Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood

The 50-year-old silverfox will appear as a judge on the cooking show for at least another three series after he penned a contract with bosses at Channel 4 for a mystery lump sum.

Jay Hunt, Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4, said: "Paul really is the star baker - an exceptional talent with a twinkle in his eye. His wit, warmth and wisdom are vital ingredients in '...Bake Off's success. I'm so delighted he's coming to Channel 4."

It's not yet known how much Channel 4 have paid the baking legend to remain a judge on the popular show but it's believed he had been offered a preliminary sum of £1 million earlier this week.

Richard McKerrow, Creative Director of Love Productions - the creators of the show - said: "We are delighted to confirm that Paul is coming with the tent ready to encourage, inspire and raise the occasional, quizzical eyebrow. Paul's presence will ensure the culture of '...Bake Off' continues in the tent as it makes its move to Channel 4.

"We want to reiterate to '... Bake Off' fans, that the show they love will remain wholly familiar, and that Channel 4 is a great place to make our show. '...Bake Off' will be produced by the same team, in the same tent, with the same recipe."

The announcement that Paul has decided to stay on 'GBBO' when it moves from the BBC - which has screened the show since 2010 - to its rival Channel 4 came just minutes after his co-judge Mary Berry decided to turn her back on the series out of "loyalty" to the BBC.

Mary, 81, said: "My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one.

"What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of seven years of magic in a tent. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change."

The future of the programme has been hanging in the balance since it was revealed Channel 4 had bought the rights to the show for an estimated £75 million last week.

Channel 4 reportedly waded in with the three-year mega money deal after they found out negotiations between the BBC and Love Productions - the makers of the programme - had broken down.

The show's hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc announced they would no longer front the show after they found out the BBC had lost its rights to the popular series.