Cake show rises to occasion after controversial switch from Beeb
tHe Great British Bake Off’s debut on Channel 4 attracted the station’s biggest audience since 2012.
An average of 6.5million viewers – rising to a peak of 7.7million – tuned in on Tuesday night.
That represented Channel 4’s best showing since the London Paralympics opening ceremony five years ago.
But the figures were still well down on last year’s series of Bake Off on BBC1, when the launch show had an average audience of 10.4million viewers.
Channel 4’s out-going chief creative officer Jay Hunt said: “Bake Off ’s Tuesday audience proves this is still one of the UK’s favourite shows.
“I’m delighted that millions saw the new team put 12 magnificent bakers through their paces. It’s the largest young audience share we’ve had for a show in over a decade.”
Bake Off moved to Channel 4 after eight years on the Beeb.
On Tuesday, it faced tough opposition from BBC1’s Holby City and ITV’s documentary on Princess Diana, each viewed by more than three million people.
The total who will see Bake Off’s opener before episode two next week is expected to exceed 10million.
Paul Hollywood, the only original team member who moved to Channel 4, said the launch show was “great”. He added: “All of the reaction has been very positive.
“Viewers realised the bakers are the proper stars of the show.”
He confessed to “catching only the last 20 minutes”, adding: “I don’t like watching myself on TV.”
Fans were divided on the new line-up featuring Prue Leith, Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.
But 2012 Bake Off winner John Whaite said: “At the risk of public execution, I’m going to say it – the new GBBO is better than the old.”
And last year’s champion Candice Brown said: “Absolutely smashed it.”