The BBC is planning to launch a rival to Channel 4’s ‘Great British Bake Off’ after all, despite reports claiming that they wouldn’t be doing so.
Last month, the chairman of BBC Trust, Sir David Clementi, shot down rumours that the Beeb would be planning to go toe-to-toe with Channel 4 when ‘Bake Off’ returns to our screens in its new home, insisting a “copycat” show would be a “disappointment”.
However, The Sun has now claimed that the BBC is planning a new show in its place, which will act as a ‘Bake Off’ rival.
Although Paul Hollywood will be sticking with ‘Bake Off’ on Channel 4, the source added that his former co-star Mary Berry will not be appearing in the BBC’s new show, nor will presenters Mel and Sue, both of whom quit ‘Bake Off’ when it was bought out.
‘Bake Off’ will debut on Channel 4 later in the year, with reports suggesting it will launch with a celebrity special, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
It’s still not known who will take on presenting duties, or who will help Paul Hollywood with judging.
10 Possible Choices To Replace Mel And Sue On 'Great British Bake Off'
Jo Brand(01 of10)
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The obvious choice - Jo fits in well with the 'Bake Off' brand (IF YOU'LL PARDON THE PUN) having hosted spin-off show extra slice for the past three years.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Davina McCall(02 of10)
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Channel 4 and Davina go way back, with 'Big Brother', 'The Million Pound Drop' and 'The Jump' all among the projects she's worked with on C4 in the past.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(03 of10)
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Another of Channel 4's go-tos, Alan at the helm of 'Bake Off' would be a complete change in direction for the show, with his energy and buoyant enthusiasm contrasting heavily with Mel and Sue's more subdued and laidback approach to presenting. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain and Tamal Ray(04 of10)
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Reigning champ Nadiya has already forged a successful career as a TV personality for herself, and it didn't even take her a year after she won, so putting her in charge might seem like a natural progression.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'. (credit:BBC)
John Whaite(05 of10)
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That said, John Whaite has always held a special place in 'Bake Off' fans' hearts since his victory in the third season.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either. (credit:Steve MeddleITVRexShutterstock)
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack(06 of10)
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'Ready... set... BAKE... no wait... erm... not yet, don't bake yet. OH WAIT. No, do bake. So yeah... bake. Sorry about that.' (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Julian Clary(07 of10)
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He might seem like a bit of a left-of-field choice for the gig, but when you think about it, he's a perfect fit for 'Bake Off'.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'. (credit:Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
Geri Horner(08 of10)
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Anyone who's been keeping an eye on Geri's Instagram page will know she's become a baking devotee since her winning stint on celebrity 'Bake Off', and this video of her interviewing Avril Lavigne proves she's certainly got a unique interviewing style.
Another star whose name has repeatedly been cropping up.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby(10 of10)
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OH BUT DON'T YOU SEE? They aren't doing it. And they felt the need to tell us this in one the least funny celebrity 'pranks' in recent memory, at the height of 'Bake Off' mania. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)