Nadiya Hussain has been offered a mega-money deal from the BBC to stop her joining Channel 4’s the ‘Great British Bake Off’.
The 31-year-old baker – who won the cooking competition last year when it was screened on the BBC – has decided to make the broadcaster her "home" after it was thought bosses from the rival channel were hoping to pinch her for the next series.
She said: "Since winning the ‘Great British Bake Off’ I’ve been lucky to have had some amazing opportunities with the BBC.
"I believe that making it my home gives me the scope to work across such a unique range of diverse and interesting projects. I’m delighted to announce that I will continue making films for ‘The One Show’, as well as developing other exciting programme ideas. I never thought this would happen, but it is and I have to admit, I’m going to embrace it."
It’s believed bosses from the BBC decided to jump in quick and make Nadiya an offer she can’t refuse because they wanted to make it even harder for Channel 4 to replace Mary Berry.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "The BBC is now playing Channel 4 at its own game.
"They don’t want to make it easy for them to replace Mary and were determined to stop Nadiya from jumping ship too.
"It’s a real coup for them because it leaves Channel 4 with no obvious option to replace Mary, which is their worst nightmare."
Mary, 81, announced she was leaving ‘GBBO’ last month out of "loyalty" to the BBC after it was revealed it had lost the rights to screen the show, which it’s had for six years, and Channel 4 had swooped in with a three-year deal worth £75million.
She said at the time: "My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one.
"I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision."
However, Mary’s co-judge Paul Hollywood decided to take Channel 4’s offer and follow the show across next year.
Nadiya Hussain offered mega-money deal from BBC
