GBBO: Channel 4 rumoured to run The Great British Bake Off without adverts
Potentially assuaging one of fans' biggest concerns
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There’s been a huge pavlova palaver over The Great British Bake Off this week, with Mel, Sue and Mary confirming that they’re sticking with the BBC and Paul “appropriately named” Hollywood taking a big bucks deal at Channel 4.
Another interesting tidbit has now emerged, although unconfirmed, regarding what the show will look like on Channel 4.
Many feared that it will get a revamp, all thudding drums and fast cuts, but it seems they’re going to try and keep it true to the immensely popular Beeb format - right down to having no commercials.
This tip comes from TV director/producer Joe Myerscough, who is well-placed to talk about the move, his company Windfall Films having produced hosts of shows for Channel 4 and other broadcasters.
It came as part of an insightful series of tweets about GBBO’s move, looking at how its a win for pretty much everyone except the viewer:
The Great British Bake Sale has been a win for everyone involved, except the viewers... I'll explain what I mean... #GBBO
Love Productions get a firm commitment from a major broadcaster, and a lot more money for their brand = WIN
Sky (who own a large stake in Love) get a better rate of return on their investment and get to stick a finger up to the beeb = WIN
Even without the presenters, C4 get a show that is bound to rate higher than anything else in that slot = WIN
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
(plus I hear they are planning to run it without adverts, the sponsorship value of the show is so high they don’t need them)
The BBC get to put their foot down and make it clear that they aren’t willing to pay through the roof for shows = WIN
And they look like the underdog in the eyes of the public when they are being attacked from all sides = WIN
Mel & Sue get elevated to national hero for sticking with the BBC and won’t be short of job offers off the back of this = WIN
Mary Berry also gets loyalty points from the public. Cookbook sales rocket = WIN
Paul Hollywood gets a massive payrise and a new car = WIN
But the British public will lose a show they love. It was a magic recipe that will be hard to recreate. A real shame.
Mary Berry said in a statement that she will not be moving to Channel 4 with Paul Hollywood out of loyalty to the BBC.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments