The Great British Bake Off is shifting its iconic tent to a new location for this summer’s series – ending the strict “Covid bubble” of the past two years.
The Channel 4 hit has been shot at Down Hall Hotel in Essex since 2020 with the judges, presenters and contestants having to live in, some for more than six weeks.
This year, however, the hotel’s 98 rooms and 110 acres of parkland are available for bookings all summer, suggesting the show has moved on.
Last night a show spokeswoman said: “We won’t be filming in a bubble this year, but protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe.”
One source explained: “All the team, particularly Prue [Leith], found it really tough not being able to go home each week.
“They are delighted that this year it will go back to the way it was, when they filmed at weekends and could leave during the week.”
Last year, host Noel Fielding was joined by his DJ partner Lliana Bird and judge Paul Hollywood’s by girlfriend Melissa Spalding.
Fellow judge Prue said: “I remember saying, ‘Oh God, I’m going to go into a bubble with three men, none of them grown-up. But in fact it was lovely. One of the things that was a huge relief was how well Matt [Lucas] and I got on.”
One option for 2022 is that the show will return to previous long-term home, Welford Park, Berks.
