Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have quit ‘Great British Bake Off’.
The hilarious co-hosts – who have fronted the cooking show since it hit television screens six years ago – have decided to step down from the popular programme when it moves channel next year.
A spokesperson for the duo confirmed they’ve decided to turn their backs on their hosting gigs just hours after it was announced that the BBC – who have screened the show since 2010 – lost the rights to the programme and Channel 4 will now take over the reins.
The BBC offered Love Productions an estimated £15 million per year – double the current contract – in a bid to keep hold of the show, but producers refused to accept offers below £25 million.
It’s believed Channel 4 quickly waded in with a three-year deal – worth a reported £75 million – after talks between the BBC and Love Productions broke down late Monday (12.09.16) afternoon.
In a statement, Love Productions said: "After an extraordinary six-year journey with the BBC, Love Productions announces with regret that it has been unable to reach agreement on terms to renew the commission of ‘The Great British Bake Off’."
The future of the show is currently hanging in the balance as judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry are yet to make up their minds as to whether they move across the Channel 4 with the programme.
However, it’s believed the pair may decide to step away as Mary – who is nicknamed the Queen of Baking – recently admitted the show’s success is partly down the Sue and Mel’s funny comments.
The 81-year-old baker said: "The four of us, Mel, Sue, Paul and me, are a team. We get on really well and our aim is to make a good programme.
"A lot of that goes to Mel and Sue — if you could hear what they say off camera you would laugh even more."
‘GBBO’ will move across the rival Channel 4 next year.
Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit Great British Bake Off
