The Great British Bake Off: BBC could reportedly launch rival show before Channel 4

'We have not ruled anything out and we could well reunite Mel, Sue and Mary'

The Great British Bake Off 2015 judges and contestants (BBC)

The Great British Bake Off drama continues as new reports suggest the BBC may create a rival cooking programme that could air before Channel 4’s version of Bake Off.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Channel 4 had acquired the rights to the Love Productions show for a rumoured £25 million, ending the companies partnership with the BBC.

Soon after, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc announced they would not be “following the dough” and moving with the programme, Mary Berry announcing the same days later. Paul Hollywood, however, revealed he will remain on as a judge.

Following the announcement, The Telegraph revealed the BBC is currently working on a new cooking show featuring the remaining trio. The Guardian has since published a report claiming the BBC could release their show before Bake Off starts again on Channel 4, citing sources close to the corporation.

“We have not ruled anything out and we could well reunite Mel, Sue and Mary,” the source told the publication. “And yes, we could probably get a show out before Channel 4, if we chose to do so. We are looking lots of ideas, although we are not yet ready to make an announcement.”

It is widely believed Channel 4 cannot begin airing Bake Off until at least a year after this series final , which comes out next month.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Mirror recently claimed Berry was looking to retire in just a years time, something her agent has dismissed as false. She said: “That’s simply wrong; she has lots of exciting projects coming up, including on TV with the BBC, and has absolutely no plans to retire.”

The aforementioned BBC source added: “It’s a given that Mary is a priority for the BBC, as long as the sun shines. We feel no need to reiterate how much we love her and how important she is to the BBC. We are delighted that she has chosen to stay and the public are as well.”

Recently, it was revealed the British public back the BBC over The Great British Bake Off debate.