The BBC has lost the rights to broadcast “The Great British Bake Off,” which was the most-watched show on U.K. television last year. Channel 4 will now air the series, after signing a three-year deal with Love Productions, the baking show’s creators.
Channel 4’s first “Bake Off” episode will be a celebrity version of the show to air next year. Channel 4 is reported to have outbid the BBC. Both broadcasters are owned by the British government, but the BBC is funded by a mandatory license fee, and Channel 4 is funded by advertising.
Jay Hunt, Channel 4’s chief creative officer, said in a statement: “Channel 4 is very proud to be the new home for ‘The Great British Bake Off.’ I’m delighted we have been able to partner with the hugely talented team at Love Productions to keep this much-loved show on free-to-air television.”
Love Productions stated: “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.’”
