Channel 4 to begin filming The Great British Bake Off

24 January 2017

Channel 4 is to start filming 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood

The show - which is set to move over from the BBC after Channel 4 signed a three-year deal with the programme's makers Love Productions - has got the green light to start shooting shortly, with hopes the new series will air later this year.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "This has been a massive blockage which would have seen the show off air until 2018. That could have done real damage to the brand. But most importantly, the fans would have missed out.

"It's great news they've agreed not to enforce the contract - and the producers can get on with bringing it back to screens this year."

It is thought the BBC had intended to insist the company stuck to a contract that could have kept the popular baking show off the air until 2018.

'Bake Off' was poached by Channel 4 last September after Love Productions failed to reach an agreement with the BBC after a year of negotiations.

Hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc and judge Mary Berry all pledged their loyalty to the BBC and refused to move with the show whilst Paul Hollywood opted to sign up to the new series after being offered a reported preliminary sum of £1 million for a three-year contract.

He said at the time: "Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.

"The 'Great British Bake Off' has brought baking to the nation and we've seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other. It's been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn't turn my back on all that - the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget ... the squirrels. So I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when 'Bake Off' moves to Channel 4."