TBH, it's their own fault. They should've know exactly what they were paying for (is talent guaranteed, can they use the same music, same setting, etc...)

The whole thing seems like a transfer on football Deadline Day. A lot of money thrown about, very few clear details ironed out & general unease about the whole thing (quite a few footballing examples there).

It's remarkable to think that Channel 4 agreed a deal without approaching the talent. In fact, it was a complete oversight.

Bake Off is ordinary. A sense of normality and stability. Telly is something that is the constant in our lives. remainers, Leavers, Labour or Tory, TV shows bring people together. Bake Off brings people together. Brexit is a long-running government problem that most of us can do nothing about. We care about it, but in a different way. Bake Off makes us forget the mundane life and the hustle and bustle for an hour. That's why we are passionate about it. It's the TV equivalent of putting your jimjams on and curling up with your slippers and warm chocolate.

Why do I get the feeling that nobody who actually contributed to the show's success was part of the negotiations? The owners of the company apparently created and executive produce it, but I doubt any other producers critical to the format were involved. Silly people....but I guess if your only priority is your own wealth that's just fine eh?

In my wildest dreams, I really hope there is a U turn on this and it goes back to the BBC. The show without Mel and Sue won't be the same, they made the show special and were one of its magic ingredients - it belongs on the BBC.

Nadiya winning last year was their 'bigger than Jesus' moment. They got big-headed and this is the result: everyone losing out because of the sheer incompetence and greed of a select few.

I don't feel any sympathy for Channel 4, they knew what they got themselves in for. And Love Productions got what they set out for....more money. All shows have a shelf life....Bake Off's longevity has now been threatened by moving channels.

And please no u-turns.............BBC called Love's bluff; they now have the creativity to persue another new projects.

Well Love Productions have well and truly blown it. I can see Mary and Paul following shortly.

If I had a choice, I'd back Davina to replace Mel & Sue. She's got a similar sense of humour I think and would do well.

People understand baking cakes. They don't understand what damage Brexit will do.

Sling in Rylan as well to co-host and middle England will switch off in droves.....

What would happen if there was a U-Turn and Love/C4 did give it back to the BBC only for the BBC to axe it? Meaning that Bake-Off was basically finished and no other broadcaster wanted it due to the talent not being prepared to leave the BBC? What would happen to Love Productions if that happened?

I think they'll get Jo Brand to present it. They don't need two presenters, it's just that Mel and Sue come as a pair!

Because like most things, it's out of the control of the actual people behind the show. The executives like to think they're responsible but they're not.

As I said previously, Bake Off exists due to the BBC being in the unique position that they can make a show purely based on talent and not viewing figures or what the advertiser demands. You only need to look at Love's other work like Benefits Street and one off documentaries. Nothing has reached Bake Off heights for them, and they've nearly all been on commercial tv.

Well this should be the new definition of the word Omnishambles. A complete and utter farce. I think this is hilarious. It is like C4 thaught they had the top hand and BBC more or less having a Royal Flush (of hearts of course) BBC have every opportunity to come out of this smelling like Chanel no5.

I just can't believe what has happened over the last 24 hours. It is like Love Productions has got the Baked Alaska out of the freezer to early and has flopped all over the shot. This is brilliantly awful!

So C4 have paid £25m per year for a v simple format without the talent locked in. Hahaha. If they don't get Mary & Paul then they've got nothing. Couldn't make it up.

Am I the only one on here more concerned about Cold Feet's rating than Channel 4's soggy bottom?

But Sky did poach the first-run rights to Friends/ER back in the 90s; from what I remember, one of Warner Bros' conditions was no exclusivity. Like you say, they and the producers had enjoyed a really good relationship with Channel 4.............the reason there was a season finale set in London was because Channel 4 asked them to set an episode in England.

Sky's interest pretty much dwindled by the millennium.........they had imported lots of American shows, in most cases not knowing where to put them (Family Guy in the afternoons.......).

ITV must be pissing themselves. Their biggest ratings rival has just lost its biggest show whilst their biggest commercial rival has just spent £75 million on a soggy bottom with no talent.

I don't blame Channel 4 for wanting the show, but doing the deal with nothing in place for the talent attached was beyond short sighted.

Like Poldark and Victoria, I think it'll stay above 4m in the overnights.

I don't know whether that'd be enough for another series.

The story that keeps on giving and I'm sure there are more twists to come yet.

If only the TV Festival had fallen a month later. Can you imagine?

That's not true, though. Sky used to show Friends before C4. There's even a thread about it.

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=466385

I thought I sensed a chill between Jay Hunt and Charlotte Moore on that Leader's Debate

I think that decline would have shocked them; I don't think anyone saw it coming after the rating last week coupled with the reception. I wonder what the cut off post is for the show. If it dips further then it must be nearing the axe.

It's astounding really. As I said it was really well received and yet... Where does it go from here?

Wonder what will now happen ratings wise with this series of bake off? Will it go up? Or will it go down?

If C4 backed out they would look incredibly dumb. Not the impression you want to give to the world. The damage to its reputation would be a good argument for selling it off.

They certainly need to try to keep one of the judges at least.

Nice of Mel and Sue to tell everybody that if Hollywood or Mary switch then they are only bothered about the dough. Classy.

Well tomorrow with be down but that's because it's 27° outside and shall be again tomorrow.
But it'll stay the same. No reason for it not to.