BBC working on 'rival' Great British Bake Off show led by Mary Berry

The broadcaster is looking for a series to fill a gap left by the baking show's departure

The BBC are reportedly devising a new baking show following the loss of The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.

Following the acquisition of the hit series, the broadcaster is lining up a series that will be fronted by former GBBO judge Mary Berry.

The Telegraph reports that a source stated: "It won’t be announced soon, but a new baking or cookery show with them is almost certainly going to happen."

Yesterday saw judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry break their silence over future plans; the former will move to Channel 4 while the latter has pledged her allegiance to the Beeb.

In a statement, Berry said: “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."

The BBC lost the rights to broadcast the hit culinary show after Love Productions, which makes the programme, reportedly asked for four times the previous amount of money.

Hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins were the first to announce plans to remain with the BBC; Channel 4 are said to be circling many presenters for the new role with rumours suggesting everybody from Davina McCall to The Chuckle Brothers.