Channel 4 boss Jay Hunt has defended the channel’s acquisition of ‘The Great British Bake Off’, insisting the upcoming channel-hop is the right thing for the show.
Earlier this year, fans of ‘Bake Off’ were heavily critical when Channel 4 bought the show after seven successful series on the BBC, particularly when presenters Mel & Sue and beloved judge Mary Berry jumped ship shortly afterwards.
However, defiant Jay is insistent that the move is a good idea, even claiming that Channel 4 has “saved” ‘Bake Off’, due to a poor relationship between the BBC and the show’s production company, Love Productions.
The channel’s chief creative officer tells The Times: “This was the worst kept secret in British TV history. Relations were very strained between Love and the BBC and as a result of that, a lot of people, several non-free-to-air platforms, had also expressed interest in it.
She also admits that it’s the “format” of ‘Bake Off’ that has had millions of viewers tuning in over the years, and isn’t worried about losing three of the show’s four key players.
Jay adds: “I think in the end format is incredibly important, and this is a highly successful format.
‘Bake Off’ is set to debut on Channel 4 in 2017, with its new run thought to be starting with a celebrity special, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Meanwhile, recent reports have suggested that the BBC are attempting to set up a rival show with Mary Berry and Mel & Sue, which it’s thought may even begin airing before the eighth series of ‘Bake Off’ kicks off on Channel 4.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'.
Hmmm.... maybe not.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming.