Channel 4 to start work on The Great British Bake Off after Beeb bosses back down in bid to keep show off air
THE Great British Bake Off has been given the green light to start work for Channel 4 after the BBC backed down in its bid to keep the show off air.
Beeb bosses had intended to enforce a contract with show makers Love Productions that would have kept it off screen until 2018.
The deal even prevented producers beginning groundwork on a new format — and prohibited them from making offers to potential new stars.
But after high-level talks and legal discussions, work can begin on a new series to be shown this year.
The furious row came after Love Productions agreed a deal for the show to switch from BBC1 to rival broadcaster Channel 4 – prompting the Beeb to dig their heels in.
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A source said: “This has been a massive blockage which would have seen the show off air until 2018.
"That could have done real damage to the brand. But most importantly, the fans would have missed out.
“It’s great news they’ve agreed not to enforce the contract — and the producers can get on with bringing it back to screens this year.”
The BBC’s move shocked fans after they lost the show to Channel 4 who had come in with a £75million bid.
Channel 4 and Love can now start screen-testing replacements for outgoing stars Mary Berry, 81, Sue Perkins, 47, and Mel Giedroyc, 48.
