The real reason for the Great British Bake Off’s move to Channel 4 has reportedly been revealed - Mary Berry was reluctant to commit to more than another year on the show.
The star apparently told Love Productions bosses she would not sign another contract for the next three years which led to them looking for a new home for the series.
A source told the Sunday People: “Mary loves the show, but she had made it clear she wouldn’t be able to give any long-term commitments.
“Two years from now, she does not expect to be working at the rate she is currently and the production team were aware of this.”
And while she may be leaving the popular baking show, she is said to be looking for shorter projects with the BBC, the channel on which the show currently airs, with her agent confirming she would be staying with the BBC.
Mary’s fellow judge Paul Hollywood has signed a new contract to go to Channel 4 with the show and producers are apparently interested in former Spice Girl Geri Horner joining her success on the celebrity version earlier this year.
It has also been reported that Taylor Swift could appear on the programme as part of the shake-up as she is a big fan.
Some people have been critical of Paul’s decision to move to Channel 4 which has apparently left him reeling.
A friend of the star said: “I know Paul’s been affected by the way some people have criticised him since he said he would stay loyal to the show.
“Some of the criticism has been very personal - when all he’s trying to do is stay in the job he loves. He’s a working guy trying to do what he does best. Is it disloyal to want to carry on with the job you love?”