‘The Great British Bake Off’ may return to television screens next year.
Love Productions – the makers of the popular baking show – have opened the application process for five weeks as they hunt for a new set of potential bakers for the a new series of the show following its recent move from the BBC to Channel 4.
A spokesperson for Love Productions said: "The precursor to every series has been to find the next batch of wonderful bakers from the thousands who apply."
However, Channel 4 may find themselves slapped with a hefty bill as the contract between the BBC and Love Productions states that nothing can air in 2017, except a celebrity version for Stand Up To Cancer on Channel 4, or they could sue them.
And it seems the BBC – who has screened the show from 2010 – are willing to take legal action if Channel 4 push their luck as a spokesperson told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It looks like Channel 4 are testing the water but rules are rules."
Although Channel 4 have now bought the rights to the cooking show after they won the bidding war with a three-year deal worth an estimated £75 million, the BBC will get one more chance to see judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood back together as they’re screening a festive special called ‘The Great Christmas Bake Off’ this month.
The one-off episode will feature a selection of bakers from previous series as they join the two culinary legends in the famous tent for a sweet-smelling cooking session.
This will be the last time Mary, 81, will be seen on screen with Paul after she shot down Channel 4’s offer to move with the show out of "loyalty" to the BBC.
The 50-year-old silver fox, on the other hand, was clearly dished out an offer he couldn’t refuse as he has agreed to front the programme next year on his own.
Great British Bake Off to return next year?
