Paul Hollywood signs deal to judge The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4

Sink your teeth into this news: Paul Hollywood has officially signed up to judge The Great British Bake Off when it transitions from the BBC to Channel 4 next year.

The GBBO judge has signed a three-series deal with the broadcaster, following the announcement of the departure of his co-judge Mary Berry earlier today.

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Paul - who has been a judge on the BAFTA award-winning baking competition since its launch in 2010 - released a statement explaining his decision.

He said: “Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.

“The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we’ve seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other.”

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He continued: “It’s been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn’t turn my back on all that – the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget… the squirrels.

“I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding.”

Meanwhile Richard McKerrow, Creative Director of Love Productions, said that he was “delighted” that Paul had decided to stay in the tent, promising that the show will remain “wholly familiar.”

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“Paul’s presence will ensure the culture of Bake Off continues in the tent as it makes its move to Channel 4,” he said.

“We want to reiterate to Bake Off fans, that the show they love will remain wholly familiar, and that Channel 4 is a great place to make our show. Bake Off will be produced by the same team, in the same tent, with the same recipe.”

However, Mary announced earlier that she would be leaving the series, stating: “My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision.”

Her shock exit follows that of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins who revealed that they were “not going with the dough” after they declined the offer to present the show following its final series on BBC One.

Channel 4 will begin airing the programme in 2017, starting with a celebrity special in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. In the meantime, the current series of The Great British Bake Off airs on BBC One, Wednesdays at 8pm.