Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and could be back on BBC One fronting an all-new baking show before we know it - and before Channel 4 air the first series of ‘The Great British Bake Off’.
According to reports, bosses at the Beeb have “not ruled out” launching a brand new baking show to rival Channel 4’s version of ‘Bake Off’, which they poached from the BBC earlier this month in a £75million deal with its production company.
Paul Hollywood is the only member of the original ‘Bake Off’ line-up who has decided to make the move to Channel 4. Fellow judge Mary, together with presenting duo Mel and Sue turned down the offer, with all three saying they felt a “loyalty” to the BBC who had nurtured the show into the biggest series on TV.
A source told The Guardian: “We have not ruled anything out and we could well reunite Mel, Sue and Mary.
It is believed Channel 4 cannot begin airing its version of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ until summer 2018, if the BBC enforces a clause allowing the corporation to block filming until a year after next month’s finale.
The BBC will still go ahead with a festive edition of the show, which was filmed in June, and will air on Christmas Day.
It’s set to feature the original presenting and judging team - including Mary Berry.
A BBC source said: “It’s a given that Mary is a priority for the BBC, as long as the sun shines. We feel no need to reiterate how much we love her and how important she is to the BBC. We are delighted that she has chosen to stay and the public are as well.”
Meanwhile, Spice Girls star Geri Horner is the latest name in the frame to take over at the helm of the ‘Great British Bake Off’ when the show moves to Channel 4.