A MUCH-LOVED TV show was ‘rejected by bosses’ for FIVE years before launching on screens.
Viewers first saw The Great British Bake Off when it debuted on BBC Two in 2010.
However, the show was actually rejected for five years before becoming a much-loved favourite.
Co-creator Richard McKerrow recalled himself and Anna Beattie fighting for bosses to put their faith into the format.
Speaking at Edinburgh TV Festival, he shared: “We pitched Bake Off for four or five years.
“We were told it would be like watching paint dry, no one was interested.”
Comedy double act Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins originally hosted the baking competition,
Meanwhile, the judging panel comprised of Dame Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
Mary, Mel and Sue left in 2017, when the programme moved to Channel 4 .
While Paul remained on-board, with Prue Leith joining as his new co-judge.
Elsewhere, the line-up for Bake Off’s 2025 series was recently confirmed.
The group includes a powerlifter, a rollerskating drag king and two hairdressers.
It comes as Alison Hammond revealed Paul Hollywood’s very generous birthday gift to Noel Fielding .
This Morning presenter Alison , 50, has co-hosted Bake Off alongside Noel , 52, for two years while he joined the show in 2017.
Ahead of the new series of the Channel 4 baking competition, Alison has shared some behind-the-scenes gossip – including the flash present Paul , 59, gifted Noel for his birthday.
Speaking to The Guardian , Alison said: “Noel doesn’t have a driving licence so he’s obsessed. That’s his time to be a driver.
Celebrity Bake Off 2025 line up so far
Who are the celebrities that are confirmed to heading to the gingham tent?
“He was extra lucky this year: for his birthday, Paul bought him the car that Noel’s dad had when he was a kid. This beautiful three-wheeler.
“Now he has to pass his test or it’ll be embarrassing. Someone’s bought you a car and you can’t drive it? Bit rude.
“I made a point of telling Paul that my dad drove a Mercedes, so next birthday, you never know. Fingers crossed!”
The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4.
