The Great British Bake Off to move to BBC One

Matthew Vizard
Authored by Matthew Vizard
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 17:08

Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, announced today that the hit BBC Two show, The Great British Bake Off, will move across to BBC One for its fifth series next year.

The show has enjoyed the highest ratings on BBC Two so far this year.

The award-winning series, made by Love Productions, has been a phenomenal success on BBC Two since launching in 2010. Over the four series the show has grown in popularity to win record ratings, with audiences flocking in to see experts Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood judge the ultimate amateur baking competition presented by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

Widely credited with reinvigorating baking throughout the UK, the series is currently the highest rating on BBC Two this year, so far averaging 7 million/27.7% share (consolidated data), and a peak audience of 7.2 million who tuned in to watch last year’s final.

Charlotte Moore says: “I’ve championed The Great British Bake Off from the very start and believe the time is absolutely right to bring the show to an even broader audience on BBC One. I’ve watched the series grow over the last few years and earn a special place in the nation’s hearts. It’s inspiring and warm storytelling at its best which celebrates the huge talent of enthusiastic and passionate bakers from all over the country. It’s been fantastic to watch it flourish on BBC Two and I can assure viewers I will continue to cherish it on BBC One.”

Charlotte Moore has been key to Bake Off’s success, she was responsible for originally commissioning the show in 2009 in her previous role as Commissioning Editor of Documentaries alongside Janice Hadlow, and has supported the series throughout its time on BBC Two.

Anna Beattie, CEO of Love Productions and executive producer of The Great British Bake Off, says: “We’re extremely proud that the show has captivated so many families and inspired so many people across the country and we aim to do everything we can to ensure its continuing authenticity and integrity. We’re very grateful to all the support given to us over the last four years by Janice Hadlow and her team at BBC Two.”

Richard McKerrow, Joint CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Love Productions, says: “It’s a series that we’ve always been passionate about, but we never dreamt it could or would become as popular as it has done. It is tremendously exciting that The Great British Bake Off is moving to BBC One and we’ll do our very best to make sure it remains a series that people love and want to watch.”

Emma Willis, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries for BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four, says: “Having executive produced Bake Off from the beginning and through all four series on BBC Two, I look forward to continuing its incredible journey on its new home on BBC One.”

Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, says: "BBC Two has enjoyed great success this year with stand-out hits including The Wrong Mans, The Fall and Line Of Duty. I’m so proud to have helped build The Great British Bake Off into one of the most popular series of recent years and although sad to see it leave BBC Two, I wish the series all the very best in its new home.”

The Great British Bake Off is made by Love Productions, commissioned by Emma Willis, BBC’s Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, and executive produced by Anna Beattie for Love Productions and Emma Willis for the BBC.

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