Paul Hollywood 'offered role on Top Gear by BBC' before signing Great British Bake Off deal with Channel 4

It seems that however much he may love cars, he loves bread more

Keen racer Paul Hollywood at the Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone (Getty Images)

Paul Hollywood was reportedly offered a hosting role on Top Gear by the BBC before he made the decision to stay with The Great British Bake Off when it moves to Channel 4.

The judge announced that he had signed a three-series deal with the broadcaster to remain with the popular baking show earlier today, after his co-judge Mary Berry quit.

But David Sillito, the BBC’s Media and Arts Correspondent, has since tweeted that Hollywood had a tougher decision to make than we thought:

Update...

A source has since confirmed to The Independent that there was "discussion around a guest appearance but not a full presenter role".

Hollywood, a known motoring fan, had been tipped to join Top Gear after Chris Evans quit as Jeremy Clarkson’s replacement after just one series. He previously told Now magazine to expect “more car programmes” from him after presenting one-off show Licence to Thrill and enjoys racing sports cars in his spare time (as you do).

The BBC has already insisted that there are “no plans” to shake up its existing Top Gear line-up, which leaves Friends star Matt LeBlanc heading up the series.

Great British Bake Off updates this way