Mary And Paul Don't Bake The Cakes On Bake Off

In news that has shocked fans of the show, it has been revealed that the Great British Bake Off judges, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry do not make the cakes they show off for the technical challenge on the show. In each episode the second challenge sees contestants attempt to emulate a cake recipe from either Paul and Mary's extensive collection with very limited instruction. Whilst the prospective bakers are attempting their bakes viewers are shown the example cake by Mary and Paul, something we are led to believe they had made themselves. Love Productions, who make the popular show, have however revealed that this is not the case. The production company instead use an expert baker, hired by the show, to create the examples whilst Mary and Paul are in hair and make-up, and in fact they have NEVER made a cake in the Bake Off tent.

Wednesday's final is upon us and after last week's semi-final we can reveal the three-contestants battling it out for the coveted Bake Off trophy. Fan favourite Salasi who viewers were sure would make the final became unstuck following three tough challenges as part of Patisserie Week, leaving Candice, Andrew and Jane to saunter through to the final showdown. Bake Off addicts took to twitter to share their disappointment after falling for the Ghanaian bakers charms one twitter user exclaimed, 'I didn't think this week could get any worse and now Selasis gone from bake off. I'm done'. Mary herself was equally as gutted by his departure saying, 'No one is more sad than me to say goodbye to Selasi. What a character. What a baker.' Andrew goes in to the last episode as the favourite to win after he won star-baker once again. despite having to restart his bake in the technical challenge.

The wait might be finally over, as it is rumoured that comedian and actor Richard Ayoade is being lined up to present the Great British Bake Off following its move to Channel 4. The star of the IT Crowd, will reportedly replace Sue and Mel as the main presenter after they quit the show in support of The BBC.

The news comes as it is confirmed that previous Bake Off Winner Nadiya Hussain has signed an exclusive deal with The BBC following on from the success of her documentary, The Chronicles Of Nadiya, earlier this year. The news puts an end to speculation that she was set to follow The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4 when it moves channels later this year, fronting the show with Paul. Nadiya who describes The BBC as her home will continue to make films for The One Show as well as working on new documentaries and projects that the channel will announce shortly.

It has been a controversial few weeks on the Bake Off. With several huge announcements shocking fans, including Mary Berry quitting, Paul Hollywood staying and Mel and Sue jumping ship after it was announced the hit TV show was moving to Channel 4. Rumours have been swirling that Channel 4 have already found a replacement for Mel and Sue for when it moves over to Channel 4 next year. Currently only Paul has been confirmed for next year's show after the others quit in support of the BBC. He might finally have some company however, as it is revealed that Jo Brand, who presents the spin off show on BBC2, is keen to move to Channel 4 too. When quizzed about the move she said 'I love doing it, I would like to continue doing it, but there are other considerations to think about, so who knows? But I probably would.'

This follows information that suggests the BBC could be creating a new show to rival The Great British Bake Off.

The Telegraph revealed that the BBC are working on a cooking show that will feature all three of the Bake Off presenter and judges who have quit since news of the television station move - Mel, Sue and Mary.

Since then The Guardian have revealed in a report that the programme may be released before Channel 4 have time to air their new version of the Bake Off.

'We have not ruled anything out and we could well reunite Mel, Sue and Mary,' the source told the Guardian. '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.'

This is just the latest in a string of GBBO news that has shocked fans of the show.

Mary announces she'll be leaving the Bake Off

Mary Berry announced on Thursday the 22nd of September that she will no longer be judging The Great British Bake Off when the programme moves to Channel 4 for its next series.

Mary's reasoning was her loyalty to the BBC being too strong for her to stray to GBBO's new home on Channel 4. In a statement Mary released to the press, she said: 'What a privilege and honour it has been to be part of 7 years of magic in a tent - The Great British Bake Off.

'The Bake Off family - Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter.

'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.

'I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it.

'Farewell to soggy bottoms.'

And just like that the 81 year old baking queen broke our hearts... Here's what else has been going down at GBBO HQ in the past couple of weeks.

Paul Hollywood Will Stay On

Despite Mary's departure Paul has reassured his fans that he'll be staying put when the hit TV show moves over to Channel 4. In a statement, he said: 'Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.

'The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we've seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other. It's been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn't turn my back on all that - the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget... the squirrels.

'So I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding.'

Richard McKerrow, Creative Director of Love Productions, added to Paul's statment by saying: 'We are delighted to confirm that Paul is coming with the tent ready to encourage, inspire and raise the occasional, quizzical eyebrow. Paul's presence will ensure the culture of Bake Off continues in the tent as it makes its move to Channel 4. We want to reiterate to Bake Off fans, that the show they love will remain wholly familiar, and that Channel 4 is a great place to make our show. Bake Off will be produced by the same team, in the same tent, with the same recipe.'

Jay Hunt, Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4, said: 'Paul really is the star baker - an exceptional talent with a twinkle in his eye. His wit, warmth and wisdom are vital ingredients in Bake Off's success. I'm so delighted he's coming to Channel 4.'

The Radio Times have reported that there will be no other announcements regarding judges for a while now, but how will we deal with the suspense of finding out who Mary's replacement be?

Bake Off Runner-Up Ruby Tandoh Voices Her Opinions On Twitter

Ex contestant Ruby Tandoh, who came third in 2014's series, took to Twitter to share her views about the Bake Off debate after hearing the news that Mary would be leaving and Paul would be staying with the show. Tandoh's first tweet said: "Ahhhhhh a peacocking manchild lingering wherever the money is, I am shocked." This tweet was then followed by: "This, from a man who turned up to work revving a rental Lamborghini. Or was it a Ferrari. I don't remember, the air was thick with testosterone." She then finished her string of tweets with a concluding sentence which said: "I will be told off for this, I did it all for you my friends."

Channel 4 bosses Reassure Fans Again The Great British Bake Off Won't Change

Channel 4 boss Jay Hunt, who has been critisised for poaching The Great British Bake Off from the BBC, has spoken out about her plans for the show, insisting that she bought the show in order to stop it from going to a satellite broadcaster. She also reassured fans that fear it will change beyond recognition that there are no plans to change the format. 'The Great British Bake Off will have a safe home. The show of soggy bottoms and good crumb will be made by exactly the same team who have always made it. We love it just as it is. And for an amateur baker like me, that's a real cause for celebration.'

The first rumours of Mary and Paul Quitting Surface

Speculation was first raised a week back on whether Paul and Mary would stick around following the channel change with both implying they are loyal to the BBC, however Paul has since mentioned that he is in fact in a contract with the production company rather than the BBC itself. Channel 4 would obviously have been hoping the popular judges would both stay but with Mary gone will Paul be following Sue and Mel out the door? It has even being touted that Paul could be in the running to be the next Top Gear host. Hollywood is a self confessed petrol-head who has already appeared on the show.

Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc Quit The Great British Bake Off

Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc last week confirmed that they would no longer present The Great British Bake Off after this year, and the public weren't happy about it.

The news came shortly after the shocking announcement - that the much-loved show which has been shown on BBC since its launch in 2010, is to move to Channel 4. The company behind the show Love Productions confirmed that they were unable to come to a mutual agreement and consequently talks collapsed, opening it up to other channels.

It is understood that Channel 4 paid £75 million for the show in a three-year deal, something that the BBC, who are funded by the license fee, could neither not afford or justify. A statement from the BBC read, 'We made a very strong offer to keep the show but we are a considerable distance apart on the money. The BBC's resources are not infinite. GBBO is a quintessentially BBC programme. We hope Love Productions change their mind so that Bake Off can stay ad free on BBC One.'

Channel 4 have since confirmed that Great British Bake Off hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc will step down after this series following the announcement that it is to move from its home on the BBC.

A joint statement from the duo, who have presented the show since its launch in 2010 said: 'We were very shocked and saddened to learn yesterday evening that Bake Off will be moving from its home. We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was.' And in true Sue and Mel style they ended the statement with a pun saying 'we don't want the dough'. It won't be the same without them

Celebrities React To The Changes At GBBO HQ

And it seems we are not the only ones annoyed with the controversial decision to move Bake Off from its home. Celebrities and previous contestants took to social media overnight to give their opinions.

Kirstie Allsopp said in a tweet that the 'Bake Off shift shows a disgraceful lack of gratitude from the producers to the BBC who commissioned it in the first place,' before adding, she thought it was, 'not a smart move'.

Lord Alan Sugar also tweeted, 'I feel sorry for BBC One. They invested years in making Bake Off popular and the greedy disloyal format owner has sold it to Channel 4.'

Previous winners and contestants have also reacted to the news, 2012 winner John Waite said, 'If they change anything, if they make one wrong step wrong it would be catastrophic'.

Whilst many reacted to the news itself others came out in support of Mel and Sue with James Corden saying 'Good for Mel and Sue for standing their ground! Huge respect!'. Richard Burr who was a contestant on the show added that, 'Without Mel and Sue it just isn't Bake Off. Channel 4 has just bought a tent.'

The general public also reacted to the news about the move on Twitter as well as the departure of Mel and Sue, creating the hashtag #Breadixt:

And following the shock news of all the changes at GBBO HQ it is now rumoured that Mary Berry could be following suit. Mary Berry's husband Paul Hunnings has said that she's 'very happy with the BBC', that 'nothing has been signed' and that her decision would be very much dependant on 'what her Bake Off colleagues do'. It is now thought that none of the show's stars were consulted about the move and that the news came to a shock to them all.

Jamie Oliver Is Rumoured To Replace Paul or Mary

With Mary leaving the show, another celerity chef has thrown his hat into the ring to replace her. Jamie Oliver said the programme was 'really great watching' and revealed he would 'love' to be closely involved. 'We watch Bake Off. The whole family loves it,' he told Now Magazine. 'Secretly, there's always a part of me in mourning because I'd love to be one of the judges. I love Mary Berry and it's really great watching.

We've been keeping tabs on who's stayed and who's gone each episode too. If you want to be kept up to date then click here to find out all about this year's contestants.