SchnookoLoly

With the recent news now that Mary Berry is leaving GBBO (Great British Bake Off: Mary Berry leaves but Paul Hollywood stays - BBC News) I can't help but marvel at how badly Channel 4 has completely botched this.

The BBC wasn't willing to up their fee for carrying the show... they're currently showing it for I can't remember the number offhand, a few million, they offered £15M but the production company Love Productions (lol) wanted more... and Channel 4 offered them £25M.

You'd think Channel 4 would have checked if the hosts and judges were actually UNDER CONTRACT before ponying up that amount of money.

So GBBO moves to Channel 4, gains commercials, loses hosts Mel and Sue, and now loses Mary Berry. They've at least retained Paul Hollywood. Because he's such a bright and shining personality in the tent. /s

I personally love GBBO but am now watching this season with a hint of sadness as I suspect it'll be the last season that is actually decent, as I suspect it'll go to sh*t when C4 takes it over. Somehow, Paul announcing "Ready, Set, BAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE" won't have quite the same charming delivery.

Your thoughts?

JamesM

You watch too much TV.

mikelincs

I've heard that Jamie Oliver is tipped as a replacement for Mary Berry.

livinginnyc

I've not read into the legalities, but I suspect they were either tied in for X amount of series, had an exclusivity deal with the beeb (unlikely) or had a break clause for events like if the network changed. Just guessing here.

Stinkypup

There does seem to be a lack of looking forward by C4 with regards to the hosts/judges. I like Mel and Sue but I reckon that they could be replaced with someone as good, just slightly different. I had also heard that Jamie Oliver was rumoured to be considering the job, not sure how true that is, I think that he would bring a new edge to it. Hollywood thinks way to much of himself and someone who is IMO a better presenter, if a little irritating at times might bring him back to earth. It isn't like the Top Gear scenario, it will survive and evolve I reckon.

SchnookoLoly

Oh probably... but wouldn't C4 perhaps have conversations with the hosts or generally work out if they can keep the same formula if they take the series? At this point it seems like they're paying an insane amount of money for the title of a show, they could have saved themselves a ton of money by just making a new baking competition show. (See: American Idol / The Voice / America's Got Talent / The X Factor / etc etc etc)

What makes GBBO the GBBO is the judges and hosts. Without them it's just a baking competition show.

Novocastrian

This. And who the hell are all these people?

SchnookoLoly

Whatever! If you don't watch the show then get out of the thread!

I've posted about ONE show and just curious to know other people's thoughts since none of my friends here watch this show and I'm curious!

BristolUK

Fanny Craddock and The Galloping Gourmet (Graham Kerr) perhaps?

livinginnyc

No, it would be between C4 and Love productions execs, Chinese whispers aside I'd assume the talent agents would find out after the fact.

Someone posted this pic on Facebook earlier, I've added it as I think its relevant for you

Novocastrian

Calm, calm, calm, you'll be just fine in the morning.

Teaandtoday5

GBBO started the year we moved to Canada so I only started watching last year, after watching the Comic Relief version. Does seem Channel 4 have been sold a pup though, someone must be very cross somewhere over there. Lovely show. And I haven't watched pastry week yet so no spoilers.

SchnookoLoly

Some asshat on my Facebook posted a spoiler, I was beyond pissed. It's a good episode though, I watched it last night.

Someone else posted on Facebook "C4 paid £25M for Paul Hollywood and a tent." It made me chuckle. :P

jennellapea

It'll be different for sure, but I'll probably still watch it. I'm not a big fan of Mel & Sue, find them cringe worthy at times (though I prefer Sue to Mel) so I won't miss them. It's a shame Mary won't be continuing.

Tootlepootle

I love it and I think its very sad!