This series of the Great British Bake Off is going to be the final series shown on the BBC, according to Love Productions.
Having previously reported on the tussle between Love Productions and the BBC, as well as Sky’s keen interest in taking the show, we can now reveal that Love Productions have confirmed the popular baking talent contest will no longer be shown on the BBC.
The Great British Bake Off has already aired fully for six series on the BBC, with the seventh series currently underway. The show has also spawned the companion show: Bake Off: An Extra Slice, as well as numerous spin-offs such as Bake Off: Masterclass and the Great British Sewing Bee.
The company said in a statement: “After an extraordinary six-year journey with the BBC, Love Productions announces with regret that it has been unable to reach agreement on terms to renew the commission of The Great British Bake Off.” They continued to add: “We will now be focusing on finding a new partner to develop the familiar show that the British public turn to in their millions. Love Productions would like to thank the BBC for the role it played in making this show such an enormous hit, and the faith they showed in us over the years to develop it.”
Behind the scenes sources suggest the main issue which broke down the exhaustive negotiations was questions about budgets, and also concerns about the longer term direction of the programme.
Notably, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have all previously suggested they would still side with the BBC if the show was lost, meaning the new owners- likely Sky or ITV may have to look for a new presenting team and judging panel.
The final BBC series of the Great British Bake Off airs Wednesday nights at 8pm. Check out last week’s episode below:
