The cast and crew of the Great British Bake Off must isolate together for six weeks to film the upcoming series.
It comes after GBBO bosses failed to get insurance for 80-year-old Prue – who is classed as being in the “vulnerable” category amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Bosses at Love Productions have found a solution to save the series from being axed by keeping everyone involved in the show in one location for the duration of filming.
A show insider said, “There were difficulties getting insurance because of Prue’s age. She’s 80 and so is of a higher risk.
READ MORE: Prue Leith opens up about turning 80
“It would have been impossible for the show to have gone on without her, and it would have been hugely unfair to leave her out because of her age.”
The new set-up is said to be a “huge commitment” for GBBO hopefuls as they prepare to leave their families for six weeks. But it's a no-brainer if it means keeping Prue on the show.
“She is absolutely adored and everyone wanted her involved. So it was decided some major changes would have to be made. It’s a huge commitment to be away from home for so long and for some members of the crew it is very hard because they have families.”
With so many TV shows pulled off air due to the pandemic, Channel 4 have “jumped through hoops” to make sure Bake Off can air, despite coronavirus.
READ MORE: Former GBBO star Mary Berry reveals she had multiple boyfriends back in the day
A spokesperson for the show confirmed the news, saying, “Filming will take place in line with production guidelines and the entire team, cast and crew have agreed to go into quarantine in order to make the show safely."
It follows news that Little Britain star Matt Lucas will take over hosting duties alongside Noel Fielding after Sandi Toksvig stepped down earlier this year.
While Prue is fairly unphased about ageing, onething that does worry Prue is that she won’t have time to tick off everything on her bucket list.
"At the moment, I have a slight feeling of panic that I won’t be able to do all the things I want to do," she recently revealed. "In fact, I know I won’t. I don’t like that very much."
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