The extremely popular baking competition show, The Great British Bake Off may not air their next season on the BBC.
According to Radio Times, a rift has opened up in negotiations between the BBC and Love Productions, who have produced the six series of the show so far. The three-year production deal, which is due to end with the seventh series of the show, due to broadcast in late summer is yet to be renewed.
Insiders from each organisation are suggesting neither side are willing to compromise on their demands, with both having a fixed value on the programme that they refuse to adjust. Love Productions, (whom Sky have a majority share in) reputedly want more funding for Bake Off.
Estimates have suggested the commercial value of Bake Off to be around an extra £20m for a commercial broadcaster, with Sky and ITV both muted as potential buyers. Any potential deal would have to be delayed until 2018, however, as the BBC have inserted a one-year ‘cooling clause’ for the sale of the format.
Yesterday on Top Gear, GGBO judge Paul Hollywood affirmed his desire to keep the current format, stating: “I’ve said, I think the girls have said as well, we want to stay with the BBC.”
The Great British Bake Off series 7 is set to air late summer. Watch a classic clip from the show below:
