Mel and Sue quit Bake Off

Row over show's move to Channel 4

Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are quitting as hosts of The Great British Bake Off.

The comedians say they were ‘saddened’ that the BBC lost the rights to the show and will not be following it to Channel 4

The duo have fronted the show since it first aired on BBC2 in 2010, alongside judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.

In a joint statement, they said: ‘We were very shocked and saddened to learn yesterday evening that Bake Off will be moving from its home.

‘We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was.’

It is believed Channel 4 offered more than £25million a year for the show – compared to the £7.5million the BBC currently pay.

The corporation offered to double their existing figure, it has been reported, but makers Love Productions ‘refused to entertain’ the figure.

Before news of Mel and Sue’s departure was announced, Channel 4 said: ‘We have no plans to change the incredibly successful format of the show which is much loved by viewers. We would be delighted if the presenters and judges want to come to Channel 4.’

The broadcaster will begin airing the programme in 2017, starting with a celebrity special.

Bake Off was the most-watched programme of last year, with 15.1 million viewers for the final, according to consolidated figures which include catch-up viewing.

Last night, Perkins retweeted a statement from the BBC, which said: 'Working with Love Productions, we have grown and nurtured the programme over seven series and created the huge hit it is today.

We made a very strong offer to keep the show but we are a considerable distance apart on the money. The BBC's resources are not infinite.

GBBO is a quintessentially BBC programme. We hope Love Productions change their mind so that Bake Off can stay ad free on BBC One.