I am absolutely devastated. As you may have guessed, Bake Off is my favourite programme on TV (is it that obvious??) I feel very strongly that it is a quintessentially BBC programme and I think it will be ruined by Channel 4, not out of incompetence or malice, but because of a lack of understanding about what makes Bake Off, Bake Off. I think it will lose it's old fashioned, British charm and become another fast-paced reality show.
I don't think adverts, product-placement and constant recaps and previews will work, I think they'll be a lot more "sob stories" and fake emotional moments and fake drama. I love the fact that Mel and Sue intentionally swear when the bakers are too upset so that the footage cannot be used. I don't think new presenters will protect the contestants as well.
Above all, I think the hardest thing for Channel 4 will be to preserve the warmth and joy of Bake Off without the Fab Four. Mel and Sue have already (understandably) bowed out. No-one can replace their perfect puns and genuine care for the contestants. They're so sweet and lovely, always helping the bakers emotionally and with their bakes. I really don't think Mary will move and Bake Off without Mary Berry is like life without sunshine. I never warmed to Bake Off Creme de la Creme because the presenters and judges were different and it was more like Masterchef then my lovely Bake Off.
Here are a few websites (mostly news and opinions) that I found very informative:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37353262
http://www.recipesfromanormalmum.com/2016/09/14/coriander-falafel/ (Looks like a falafel recipe, is also Holly's opinion of Breadxit, written very beautifully)
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/sep/13/sue-perkins-and-mel-giedroyc-to-leave-great-british-bake-off
I really am hoping desperately that Channel 4 somehow manage to keep the Bake Off Magic going - but I'm horribly worried that my beloved show now has a soggy bottom... :(
