‘Great British Bake Off’ bosses are struggling to get "prestigious" celebrities to star in forthcoming charity episodes that will raise money for Stand Up to Cancer.
The likes of Samantha Cameron, Geri Horner, Kimberley Walsh, Louise Redknapp and Dame Edna Everage jumped at the chance to tackle the heat in the infamous tent before Channel 4 snatched the show from the BBC in a mega-money deal last year.
However, Channel 4 producers have struggled to attract the same level of famous faces for the forthcoming specials.
A source told The Sun: "They are terrified that they’ll be forced to cast C-list dregs from reality shows at this rate.
"It has come as a bit of a shock as the previous standard for celebrity specials was really high, with prestigious politicians, pop stars and even Hollywood names desperate to show off their baking prowess."
Jamie Laing is one of the stars reportedly signed up for the new series, while Kate Moss’ younger sister Lottie is also rumoured to be donning an apron for the show.
While bosses are frantically trying to secure an impressive line-up, the programme’s judge Prue Leith is yet to hear whether her contract has been extended.
The 77-year-old restaurateur has won over the hearts of the nation with her brutal judging manner on the baking show over the past few months but, despite her successful first stint, Channel 4 are yet to enlighten her on her future with them.
She said: "I’m still hoping Channel 4 will ask me back for the second series. They’ve asked me about timings and schedules but I’ve not seen or heard anything about a contract. It could all change, like ‘The X Factor’."
Although her co-stars Paul Hollywood, Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding would love to see her return, Prue has admitted she’s using her time now to get back into writing.
She explained: "I actually gave up writing before ‘Great British Bake Off’. I’d been doing it [writing cookbooks and novels] for years and it took up too much time. But I’ve been coaxed back into it and now I’m writing and cooking more than ever. It’s a busy time."
Bake Off fails to nab ‘prestigious’ celebs for Stand Up to Cancer episodes
