Great British Bake Off’ will remain on Channel 4 as bosses close to a three-year deal – after the show was ‘at the center of a £100m tug-of-war with Netflix’
The Great British Bake Off will reportedly remain on Channel 4 for another three years – after the hit series was at the center of a £100million tug-of-war between streaming giants before its contract with Channel 4 expired.
Reports earlier this month suggested that Netflix and other streaming channels could be enticed into attempting to move the beloved show to a rival broadcaster.
But according to The mirrorbosses are close to agreeing a new three-year deal for the series.
A TV source said: ‘There were some raised eyebrows at Channel 4 when reports suggested Bake Off could be moving in recent weeks as they are in the middle of negotiations.
‘But as far as the bosses are concerned, they have all the ingredients they deem necessary for a brilliant partnership on the show, and that’s something they want to continue.
The Great British Bake Off will now reportedly stay on Channel 4 for another three years – after the hit series was at the center of a £100million tug-of-war between streaming giants
A TV source claimed: ‘Nothing has been confirmed but the most likely outcome now is that Bake Off will remain on Channel 4 beyond 2024’
‘Nothing has been confirmed, but the most likely outcome now is for Bake Off to remain on Channel 4 beyond 2024, with both parties currently in favor of a three-year contract.’
MailOnline has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
It comes after claims emerged that the show could be forced to move to a streaming giant due to Channel 4’s ‘money problems’.
The channel axed several shows in 2023, reportedly to control costs, and last month it was reported that GBBO could be its next show.
The broadcaster’s contract to air the competition reportedly expires after the 2024 series, and it was claimed at the time that there was no talk of renewing it.
The sun claimed that Netflix and Disney+ were mentioned as potential buyers.
A source said: ‘The participation of two major companies in the race has massively increased the value of the show, which is already sought after for its global appeal.
‘Streamers also want to combine their model with shows that air at the same time and day every week.
It comes after claims emerged that the show could be forced to move to a streaming giant due to Channel 4’s ‘money problems’. (Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith seen)
‘Netflix is already doing this with WWE wrestling and Disney+ recently bought the US version of Strictly. Word is they both want to do the same with a big British show.”
Channel 4 is also said to be planning to cut 200 jobs after a huge drop in television advertising.
The show, judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and presented by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, launched on the BBC in 2010.
However, it was bought by Channel 4 in 2016 for £25 million, a shockwave that saw the original presenters sensationally quit.
Netflix currently has the rights to broadcast Bake Off in America, while ITV came close to bidding for the UK rights during the last round of negotiations, but decided against it.
Channel 4 said: ‘Any speculation around contracts is just that and we look forward to bringing many more soaking bottoms to our viewers in the future.’
Netflix and Disney+ declined to comment.
Judge Prue recently broke her silence on the claims and opened up The mirror: ‘Oh my God, I hope to stay with Bake Off wherever it goes. But I don’t think it will move.
‘I know a lot of people are struggling and Channel 4 has lost a lot of shows.
‘But I’m pretty sure as long as Channel 4 is around they will continue to follow Bake Off. It’s certainly one of their best shows. I think it has found its natural home on Channel 4.”