Channel 4 has revealed Bake Off stars make a “significant donation” to Stand Up to Cancer after newspaper reports claimed the show’s judges and hosts were paid to appear on the charity special episodes.
According to The Sun, judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith as well hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig received fees for the five specials – but the celebrity bakers taking part gifted theirs to charity.
Hollywood, 52, may have been paid up to £117,500 for the short series, the newspaper claims.
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It is believed his contract for the show sees him rake in up to £23,500 per episode.
A Channel 4 spokesperson confirmed all money raised by viewer contributions goes to “directly” to the SU2C campaign.
It was also noted the show’s regulars donate to the charity, too.
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The spokesperson said: “Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for Stand Up to Cancer and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the charity. All contributors donate their fee to the campaign.
“Those who are already contracted for long-running series also make a significant donation to the SU2C campaign and as a result of their involvement millions have been raised to fund ground-breaking research that will save lives.”
Contestants such as Bill Turnbull, Lee Mack, Ella Eyre and Alan Carr gave their entire fees to charity, it has been reported.
Stand up comic Alan, who appeared during this week’s final episode of the series, said during the show: “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if your cakes taste delicious or they are rubbish, we’re all doing it for Stand Up to Cancer.
“And 100% of that money goes to the charity. 100%. What’s not to love?”
— Channel 4 Press (@C4Press) April 6, 2018
Former Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher claimed the Star Baker title this week, with previous winners in the series including comedian Harry Hill, Diversity dancer Perri Kiely, Tory MSP Ruth Davidson and Melanie Sykes.
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