Lorraine Kelly: Use your loaf, Paul, it's not Bake Off without the others!

THE whole Bake Off phenomenon has rather passed me by but, having caught a few episodes recently, I can see why people loved the show so much.

It’s like sinking your teeth into a big, fat chocolate eclair.

Presenters Mel and Sue have obviously studied the Kenneth Williams Bumper Book of Double Entendres.

However, they are best described as cheeky rather than downright rude.

Mary Berry is everyone’s favourite firm-but-kindly schoolteacher.

I don’t really get the appeal of Paul Hollywood, but somehow the mix of the four of them, along with the nervy contestants and some cracking production values, has created a recipe for perfection.

Sadly, as we all now know, the format has been sold off to the highest bidder and the Bake Off has crumbled like one of my attempts to make crisp almond biscuits.

Only Paul has signed on the dotted line for the new Channel 4 version, while his three colleagues have decided to remain loyal to the BBC and turned down the “dough”.

I don’t see why the Beeb can’t simply make a similar baking programme with Mel, Sue and the divine Mary and allow viewers to continue to enjoy the type of show they love.

I’m baffled that Channel 4 paid millions for the show’s format without first securing the presenters and judges.

As many fans have already pointed out, all they are left with is Paul barking loudly about loaves in a large, empty tent.

Just like the rebooted Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, it will be very, very difficult for Channel 4 to overcome viewer hostility and ensure The Great British Bake Off is a big ratings hit for them.

I’m not convinced you can ever reheat the souffle and it seems a real shame that fans will be robbed of their favourite guilty pleasure.

Those who don’t understand why people are so sad should remember how they felt when the Beatles spilt up or, more recently, when One Direction called it a day.

It’s not the end of the world, but it’s upsetting and you feel short-changed.

I hope the Beeb will be repaying the loyalty of Mel, Sue and Mary Berry by throwing lots of prime time shows at them, as well as the opportunity to do radio, books and all sorts of fabulously exciting projects.

Meanwhile, Paul might rue the day he agreed to be the only one left standing in the marquee.

Mary Berry won’t be joining Channel 4 Bake Off