THE Great British Bake Off could move to Netflix as its current home struggles with cash problems.
Channel 4’s deal to show Bake Off ends after this year’s series — but bosses have yet to start negotiations to keep it.
The broadcaster also plans to cut up to 200 jobs and has cancelled a string of shows following a huge downturn in TV advertising.
It has sparked speculation that the series is ripe for a takeover by rival channels and streaming sites.
An industry insider said: “Bosses have a dilemma — break the bank to keep Bake Off, or lose it to a rival.
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“It’s no secret that Channel 4 is facing cash problems so do they really have the money to secure another deal?
“They’ve been making cutbacks and this could well be to fund a new deal. But if they can’t match the pay demands, there’s not much they can do, and that opens the door for rivals like ITV and Netflix to swoop in. The fact is, this year is crunch time for the future of the Bake Off.”
The show, featuring Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, launched on the BBC in 2010, but was poached by Channel 4 in 2016 for £25million.
Netflix currently has the rights to air Bake Off in America, while ITV was close to bidding for the British rights during the last round of negotiations but decided against it.
Channel 4 said: “Any speculation around contracts is just that and we look forward to bringing many more soggy bottoms to our viewers in future.” Netflix and ITV declined to comment.
