The Great British Bake Off: Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood 'offered big money by Channel 4' to stay with ex-BBC show

They are, however, still expected to follow in Mel and Sue's footsteps and quit

Paul and Mary aren't quite sure about the other Paul (BBC)

With Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins having left The Great British Bake Off following the show’s acquisition by Channel 4, attention has turned to whether Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will follow suit.

According to reports, the two judges have entered into negotiations with Channel 4; Giedroyc and Perkins quit before talks with the broadcaster began.

“Mary and Paul have always stressed they would stand by Mel and Sue as they see them as family,” a source told The Sun. “They spend a huge amount of time together over the course of filming, and outside that as well.”

According to the same source, Channel 4 are ‘desperate’ to keep on the judges, offering them ‘big money’ and ‘more input into the show.’

The corporation has been widely cited as paying over £25 million for the Love Productions show, £10 million more than the BBC were able to offer.

Both Berry and Hollywood have spoken about their want for Bake Off to remain on the BBC and are widely expected to follow Giedroyc and Perkins in leaving the show.

Rumours surrounded who will replace the presenters has been rabid ever since the change in channel, Jo Brand being the bookies' current favourite thanks to her tenure as host of Extra Slice.

Other contenders include Rachel Riley, Jamie Oliver, and Ant and Dec. Read the full list, ranging from the bizarre to the reasonable, here.