Channel 4 is set to bring back the children’s version of The Great British Bake Off – although Nadiya Hussain may not return as a judge.
C4 has relaunched almost all facets of Bake Off since nabbing the brand from the BBC in 2016.
The main version and its companion programme, An Extra Slice, were followed by five celebrity specials earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Bake Off: The Professionals – renamed from Creme De La Creme – airs the grand final of its latest series on Sunday.
Despite this, question marks remained over the future of Junior Bake Off, which originally ran for four series on CBBC.
The show gives kids aged 9 to 12 the chance to demonstrate their baking skills in the famous tent.
Now it appears Channel 4 is finally making a move to complete the Bake Off family.
According to The Sun, the broadcaster is in talks to revive Junior Bake Off for a fifth outing next year.
“Channel 4 has really made Bake Off their own,” said the tabloid’s source.
“They believe they can turn Junior Bake Off from a show meant to keep your kids quiet into compelling, adorable viewing.”
“It will be a great platform for the culinary stars of tomorrow and inspire families to experiment in the kitchen.”
However, it seems that bosses could have to find a new line-up of judges and presenters.
Popular Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, who judged the fourth Junior series in 2016, is unlikely to return after signing a deal to stick with the BBC.
Hosts Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes may also depart, as they’re long-established favourites on the CBBC channel.
The news follows reports that C4 is already in talks to renew its original deal with makers Love Productions.
Chiefs are thought to be eager to tighten their grip on the Bake Off format after scoring mega ratings.
The ninth main series is due to begin on C4 next month.
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