Sweet success: BSkyB snaps up Bake-Off producer

The independent producer behind the BBC’s hit show The Great British Bake-Off starring Paul Hollywood, above, has been snapped up by BSkyB.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry star in the Great British Bake Off. Picture: BBC

The satellite giant has bought a 70 per cent stake in Love Productions, which also made controversial welfare documentary Benefits Street and is thought to have a turnover of around £14 million, netting a windfall for the two founders who set it up in 2004.

Sky said Anna Beattie and Love’s chief executive, Richard McKerrow, a former commissioning editor for Channel 4, will remain with the group as it is run as a distinct company under distribution platform Sky Vision, which will carry on offering the shows to other broadcasters in the UK and abroad.

Sky Vision was created in 2012 and is a key part of plans to broaden its international content business across broadcasting, production and distribution amid mounting competition from the likes of BT and Netflix.

As well as in London where it is based, Love has production sites in Bristol, Los Angeles and New York.