BBC ‘Splashing Out On Sky Arts-Style Painting Show To Replace Bake Off’

BBC chiefs are reportedly already making plans in case The Great British Bake Off is nicked by a rival – by lining up a painting show as its replacement.

Executives from ITV, Channel 4 and Sky have all been waiting on the sidelines to snap up Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood and Co, below, as the BBC’s three-year deal with the show comes to an end this summer.

The alternative apparently being considered is said to be called Art School, and will follow the Bake Off formula with a dozen artists competing under expert guidance to have their work displayed in a top gallery – just like Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist Of The Year series.

A source told The Sun: “Chiefs at the BBC are really worried in case Bake Off is poached by ITV or Channel 4 because it’s such a huge ratings hit for them.

“The main idea they’re developing is painting. But while fans are keen to see dough rise, they’re not sure if watching paint dry will work the same way.”

Great British Bake Off last year attracted a huge 15.1 million viewers and is valued at £20million.

BBC TV controller Charlotte Moore, who first commissioned it in 2010 and moved it to BBC1 in 2014, is locked in talks with show makers Love Productions.

Sources told The Sun she faces a fight as the BBC is looking to save £800million every twelve months over five years.

The battle comes after ITV poached The Voice from the BBC.

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