Channel 4 hails return of the Great British Bake Off as a ratings hit as it becomes their eighth most watched show of all-time
CHANNEL 4 hailed the return of the Great British Bake Off a ratings hit, after it became their eighth most successful show of all time.
The first episode drew an audience of 6.78million at its peak as viewers tuned in on Tuesday to see which of the 12 contestants was crowned star baker and who was sent home.
The channel’s chief creative officer Jay Hunt had insisted Bake Off — previously on the BBC — needed to attract at least three million viewers per episode to break even.
She said after the figures were released: “The Great British Bake Off’s audience proves it’s still one of the country’s favourite shows.
I am delighted millions watched the new team put 12 magnificent bakers through their paces. It’s the largest share of young audiences we’ve had for a show for over a decade.”
The Sun told yesterday how viewers had enjoyed the programme’s first outing on its new channel.
They were also impressed by the performances of its new line-up of Prue Leith, 77, Noel Fielding, 44, and Sandi Toksvig, 49 — as well as returning judge Paul Hollywood, 51.
But The Sun’s analysis of the figures suggests viewers were infuriated by the series’ lengthy ad breaks, with many switching off during them.
Channel 4 claimed the show drew a peak audience of 7.6million and an average 6.5million — but that includes viewers who watched on their time-shifted “plus one hour” channel.
It is eighth in its list of top shows, behind the likes of Big Brother, Friends and Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.
It also ranks 23rd in the list of the year’s most popular shows so far, with the Manchester One Love benefit gig topping the list.
Bake Off moved from the BBC after Channel 4 paid £75million to the programme maker, Love Productions, to broadcast it for the next three years.
