The Great British Bake Off is reportedly facing an uncertain future due to Channel 4’s ‘money woes’.
This follows the axing of many Channel 4 programmes in 2023 as the broadcaster looked to keep costs under control. The Great British Bake Off is considered to be a jewel in Channel 4’s crown.
The broadcaster’s contract to air the hit baking competition reportedly ends after the 2024 series and, it has been claimed, there have not yet been talks to extend it. The Sun reports Channel 4 is also allegedly planning to cut up 200 jobs.
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An insider said: “Bosses have a dilemma — break the bank to keep Bake Off, or lose it to a rival. It’s no secret that Channel 4 is facing cash problems so do they really have the money to secure another deal? They’ve been making cutbacks and this could well be to fund a new deal.
“But if they can’t match the pay demands, there’s not much they can do, and that opens the door for rivals like ITV and Netflix to swoop in, the fact is, this year is crunch time for the future of the Bake Off.”
Netflix currently has the rights to air Bake Off in America, while ITV was close to bidding for the British 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 soggy bottoms to our viewers in future.”
The Great British Bake Off, 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 £25m.
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