The BBC Is Reportedly Planning a Rival Show to Replace Bake Off

The move has disappointed many fans and has given rise to much discussion over just what Channel 4 will do to reinvent the format, having lost three out of four of its iconic hosts.

They added: ‘She has always been a huge supporter of Bake Off but bosses face a tough ask to get her on board.

Take heart Great British Bake Off fans: the BBC say it is nearly certain that Mary Berry will be reunited with her Bake Off colleagues Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins on a new BBC project.

But alas, that wasn’t to be, as Mary remained nothing but loyal to the BBC (and to Mel and Sue, and to us) by saying thanks but no thanks.

In a statement released on Thursday, Berry said she was leaving out of “loyalty” to the BBC. “I’m so delighted he’s coming to Channel 4”.

Geri Horner is the latest name in the mix to front the Great British Bake Off when the show airs on Channel 4 next year. “I’ll miss her but she has made the right decision for her. (sic)”.

As the Love Productions bosses try to replace Mel Giedroyc, 48, and Sue Perkins, 47, it’s reported that Kirstie Allsopp and even Master Chef star Lisa Faulkner are favourites to replace them.

Hollywood chose to join Bake Off on Channel 4 despite being approached by the BBC about Top Gear.

Love Productions creative director Richard McKerrow reassured fans that “Bake Off” will stick to its winning ingredients. “Bake Off” will be produced by the same team, in the same tent, with the same recipe”, he said.

“I’m exhausted”, says Mel.

Top level sources have confirmed that the BBC is “actively engaged” in pursuing programme ideas featuring the three of them following their high-profile defection from The Great British Bake Off, after the format was bought up by Channel 4.

The first Bake Off programming planned to broadcast on Channel 4 will be a celebrity version of the show in 2017, in aid of charity Stand Up to Cancer.

“I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision”.