‘Great British Bake Off’ judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry could reportedly be given a golden handshake of £1million each if they stay on the show.
Their futures have been thrown into doubt ever since it was announced that the popular baking show is to move from the BBC to Channel 4 – but Paul and Mary have both been offered eye-watering sums of money to remain loyal to the programme, while the BBC is prepared to make a similarly attractive counter-offer.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "It’s turning into a bitter turf war between rival TV stations – but at this rate it’s the viewers who’ll miss out.
"Fans just want the series to stay the same as much as possible – that obviously means keeping Paul and Mary at the centre of it. It’s a shame some at the BBC seem to be looking for a way to sabotage that.
"Many of us feel it’s foul play and not the intended function of licence payers’ cash."
Recently, it was reported that Paul remains undecided about his future, despite holding extensive talks with TV bosses at the BBC and Channel 4.
An insider previously said: "Paul’s definitely not made up his mind yet on what to do and is looking at what’s the best deal for him. Channel 4 are desperate to secure him and provide fans with some continuity from the original line-up."
Meanwhile, Jay Hunt – who is Channel 4’s chief creative officer – claimed recently that the programme will be in safe hands when it shifts across in 2017.
She said: "’Great British Bake Off’ will have a safe home. The show of soggy bottoms and good crumb will be made by exactly the same team who have always made it. We love it just as it is. And for an amateur baker like me, that’s a real cause for celebration."
Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry offered huge money to stay with The Great British Bake Off
