Channel 4 Confirms Plans For Great British Bake Off's Return Amid Schedule Changes

Channel 4 has confirmed that the Great British Bake Off will launch its new series as planned next week.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday evening, the broadcaster made “significant changes” to its schedule, switching to rolling news coverage as soon as the news broke and devoting most of Friday’s slate to the late monarch’s memory.

This led many to speculate that Channel 4 would be postponing the return of Bake Off, which had been set to begin its 13th series on Tuesday 13 September.

However, despite these rumours, it has now been confirmed the show will air as planned on Tuesday night, in its usual 8pm time slot.

Earlier this week, Channel 4 received praise when it made the decision to air Gogglebox as planned, with many viewers saying the show had brought them “comfort” and “light relief” after a difficult 24 hours.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 has made significant changes to our schedule, including added extended news coverage, to ensure that Channel 4 is respectful following the news from Buckingham Palace about the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Channel 4 exists to offer viewers an alternative and that is particularly important at times like this.

“Gogglebox is a much loved national institution and it will air as planned tonight bringing a valuable sense of continuity for many of our viewers.”

Channel 4 made the decision to remove adverts from Friday’s episode of Gogglebox, meaning it clocked in at 45 minutes, rather than the usual hour.

It had previously been announced that The Last Leg – which usually follows Gogglebox – would not be airing on Friday night.

Presenter and comedian Adam Hills explained: “We’ve decided not to do an episode of [The Last Leg] tonight. It just doesn’t feel right.

“We’ll pay tribute to Her Majesty next week but for now our thoughts are with her family, and all those affected by the news. We hope you understand.”

Meanwhile, the BBC is yet to confirm plans for the new seasons of Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and ITV has revealed the NTAs – which were scheduled to take place next week – have been postponed.