Mary Berry could star in Bake Off rival

MARY Berry may be quitting The Great British Bake Off but she has ‘absolutely no plans to retire’ and could star in a rival show.

The 81-year-old has refused to be a judge on Bake Off when it moves from the BBC to Channel 4, saying she remains loyal to the corporation. But that doesn’t mean she will be hanging up her apron quite yet.

Her agent Fiona Lindsay said: ‘It has been reported that Mary only intends to work another year. That’s simply wrong, she has lots of exciting projects coming up – including on TV with the BBC – and has absolutely no plans to retire.’

Comedian Jo Brand, the host of BBC Two’s Bake Off spin-off An Extra Slice, had joked about Miss Berry on Friday to ITV’s Lorraine: ‘She probably wants to put her feet up. I’m 20 years younger and I’d quite like to put my feet up.’

The BBC is said to be threatening to rush out a rival to Bake Off starring Miss Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Sources told The Sunday Times that Channel 4 may not be able to screen Bake Off, featuring Paul Hollywood, until summer 2018 if the corporation invokes a hold-back clause after the final episode.

The BBC has said that despite falling out with Love Productions, which produces the show, it would be screening two Christmas Bake Off specials, which were filmed in June.

It has also emerged MPs will investigate the reported £75million acquisition of Bake Off. Channel 4 chief Jay Hunt defended the deal, saying: ‘From its inception, Channel 4 has cross subsidised to ensure the shows that deliver ratings and revenue support the shows that deliver our remit.’