Great British Bake Off to cross Atlantic

By DIANA PILKINGTON
Published on 20/10/2012 00:29

Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood is keen for a role in the US remake of the hit show, and reckons it will be “fantastic”.

US network CBS has struck a deal to broadcast an American version of the show with the working title Bake Off, which is expected to air next year.

Hollywood, who judges the UK series alongside cookery writer Mary Berry, said: “I think it’s going to be fantastic.

“They’ve got one in Australia that’s being done at the moment. The Swedish one looks really good, and the French one is getting done as we speak. Long may it reign. If it’s spreading globally then it’s doing its job.”

He thinks the popular programme, which has been a ratings hit for BBC2, will translate well to an American audience.

“It is a British idea, but I don’t think the theme is uniquely British. Yes, we go back a few years, but they do as well. A lot of their ideas come from Germany, Holland, France and Britain.

“They’ve got a mix of everything and have things like the Mississippi mud pie and pumpkin pie. They’re known for their baking as well, so I think it’ll be a great show.”