TV chef Delia in Bake Off deal bid
TV kitchen queen Delia Smith may replace Mary Berry on the Great British Bake Off.
Delia, 75, is being lined up to step in after the show moves from the BBC to Channel 4.
She would partner Paul Hollywood, 50, the only Bake Off star to stay after makers Love Productions sold it for £ 75million in a three-year deal.
Meanwhi le, Location Location, Location duo Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer have been sounded out to replace Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as hosts of the next series.
TV chiefs believe Kirstie, 45, and Phi l, 46, would be ideal to switch from property to puddings.
An insider said: “Talks with Kirstie and Phil went well. Phil feels he’s up for the job and Kirstie is an experienced baker.”
While fans of the show are uncertain of its future without most of the original cast, Mary, 81, has revealed that she thinks it can still be popular.
Speaking at Thursday night’s National Reality TV Awards, she said: “It’s going to be dif ferent but I’m sure Paul will carry it on successfully.”
There has also been speculation that Mary, Sue, 47, and Mel, 48, will launch a rival BBC food show.
Delia, who f ronted cookery shows for many years and has sold more than 21 million books, was not available for comment yesterday.