Channel 4 responds to Great British Bake Off charity controversy

Channel 4 has issued a statement following claims about the Great British Bake Off’s charity special.

Just like when it was on BBC One, the Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 sees a number of celebrity shows for charity.

During its time on the BBC, Bake Off aired specials for both Sport Relief and Comic Relief while Channel 4’s charity version is in aid of Stand Up For Cancer.

A total of five episodes aired throughout March and April, with money raised going to fight cancer.

However the show has been plunged into controversy over claims that top talent pocketed thousands of pounds for themselves.

The Sun alleges that judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and presenters Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding all received fees for their work. Paul may have been paid as much as £117,500, it’s been claimed.

A spokesperson for Channel 4 has since responded to the accusations, saying that the celebs donate their fees to the charity.

It added that the judges and hosts made a “significant donation” to the cause as well.

They said: “Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for Stand Up to Cancer and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the charity. All contributors donate their fee to the campaign.

“Those who are already contracted for long-running series also make a significant donation to the SU2C campaign and as a result of their involvement millions have been raised to fund ground-breaking research that will save lives.”

The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4.