'Bake Off' judge wants US role

'Great British Bake Off' judge Paul Hollywood is keen for a role in the US remake of the hit show, and reckons it will be “fantastic”.

US network CBS has struck a deal to broadcast an American version of the show with the working title 'Bake Off', which is expected to air next year.

Hollywood, who judges the UK series alongside cookery writer Mary Berry, said: “I think it’s going to be fantastic.

“They’ve got one in Australia that’s being done at the moment. The Swedish one looks really good, and the French one is getting done as we speak.

“Long may it reign. If it’s spreading globally then it’s doing its job.”

He thinks the popular programme, which has been a ratings hit for BBC2, will translate well to an American audience.

“It is a British idea but I don’t think the theme is uniquely British. Yes, we go back a few years, but they do as well. A lot of their ideas come from Germany, Holland, France and Britain.

“They’ve got a mix of everything and have things like the Mississippi mud pie and pumpkin pie. They’re known for their baking as well so I think it’ll be a great show.”

Hollywood said he “would be interested” in being involved in the show, but remained coy about whether there were any plans for him to take part.

“I couldn’t even say if I was,” said the bread-baking guru, speaking from the BBC Good Food Show in Glasgow today.

A peak of 7.2 million viewers saw Wigan-born law graduate John Whaite crowned champion of the third series of 'The Great British Bake Off' on Tuesday.

The format was created and is owned by Love Productions, and has already been sold to several international markets for remake, including Australia, France, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Belgium and Ireland.

Richard McKerrow, co-founder and creative director of Love Productions, will be the executive producer of the US version.

He said: “We are delighted by the success of The Great British Bake Off in the UK and Europe and incredibly excited by the prospect of now producing the series in the US for CBS.”

No presenters or judges have yet been confirmed for the US project.

Hollywood, Berry and Whaite will appear at the BBC Good Food Shows in London and Birmingham, with further details at bbcgoodfoodshow.com