The Great British Bake Off will air for the first time on Channel 4 this year, and the network has confirmed that it will run for a whooping 75 minutes so that the episodes can remain the same length as they were on the BBC while allowing for advert breaks. Fans were quick to praise the decision, with one writing: "Channel 4 extend Bake Off to 75 minutes. Well at least they’ve got that right. #GBBO," while another joked: "Wondering how many times Mr Kipling will be mentioned in the breaks."
The new show has been extended by 15 minutes
The show will also see its former presenter Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins replaced by Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig after the pair confirmed that they wouldn't be moving to Channel 4 with the baking programme. While Paul Hollywood has remained as a judge, the other judge Mary Berry also confirmed she would remain with the BBC, with Prue Leith taking over her role on the show. The show recently shared a photo of the new gang and fans joked about the new group, with one writing: "The GBBO picture literally looks like a family taking their goth son to a village fayre," while another teased: "What is Professor Snape doing hosting #GBBO?"
© Photo: BBCMel, Sue and Mary have been replaced for the show's Channel 4 debut
Sandi has previously opened up about presenting the show with Noel, saying: "Noel Fielding is one of the nicest guys in show business. The first time I met him I felt like I had met a rather wayward cousin whose take on the world made me laugh. The only down side is that he has much better dress sense that I do." Noel added: "GBBO is one of my favourite shows. I've always loved brightly coloured cakes and Sandi Toksvig so this is a dream come true for me! It’s basically the double."
