BBC ‘could launch rival cooking show to Bake Off BEFORE Channel 4 version airs’
Corporation reportedly "have not ruled anything out" when it comes to taking on its rivals
THE BBC has "not ruled out" launching a rival baking show BEFORE Channel 4 airs its first series of The Great British Bake Off.
After it was revealed Channel 4 had shelled out £75 million for a three-year deal with Love Productions - the company who produces the Bake Off - and poached it from the BBC, it was claimed the Corporation was already plotting a new baking show to go up against it.
They said: "We have not ruled anything out and we could well reunite Mel, Sue and Mary.
“And yes, we could probably get a show out before Channel 4, if we chose to do so.
"We are looking lots of ideas, although we are not yet ready to make an announcement.”
Following the news of Bake Off's move to Channel 4, hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins announced they would not be "following the dough" and soon after, legendary judge Mary Berry also revealed she would be remaining loyal to the BBC.
That just left fellow judge Paul Hollywood, who agreed to move with the show to its new home, reportedly for a £1.2 million pay cheque.
It's widely believed Channel 4 cannot begin airing its version of The Great British Bake Off until at least a year after the current series finale on the BBC , which will take place next month.
The latest update comes after , reported the Beeb would be keen to keep Mel, Sue and Mary together on a new baking show.
The inside source said: “We’ve got three of the fab four staying with us. We’re thrilled.
“The chances of us reuniting Mary, Mel and Sue are very high.”