The creator of Sherlock has said the BBC was “right not to reward greed” after the corporation lost the rights to broadcast The Great British Bake Off.
Steven Moffat praised the BBC for not paying the reported £25 million per year demanded by Love Productions, the makers of the popular cookery programme.
The Great British Bake Off is moving to Channel 4 (BBC/Love Productions/PA Images)
Speaking at the Emmys in Los Angeles, Moffat revealed he had rejected offers from other broadcasters who wanted to show his award-winning drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
He told the Press Association: “We have had offers, that’s not what it’s about. It should never be about that.
“I think the BBC was quite right not to reward greed. It’s wrong.”
Amanda Abbington, Steven Moffat, Sue Vertue and Rebecca Eaton picked up the award for outstanding television movie for Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (Masterpiece) (Jordan Strauss / AP/PA Images)
Moffat referred to The Great British Bake Off’s move to Channel Four on stage at the Emmys, where he picked up the award for best television movie for Sherlock The Abominable Bride.
He told the audience: “Thank you to the BBC who we love above all bakery. British people will get that.”
Presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have announced they are leaving The Great British Bake Off when it moves to Channel Four at the end of the current series. Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood are yet to confirm if they will follow.
Steven Moffat referenced the Bake Off move in his acceptance speech at the Emmys (Chris Pizzello / AP/PA Images)
According to BBC News, the corporation is believed to have offered Love Productions £15 million per year to keep the show.
This amount fell £10 million short of what the corporation would need to retain the show on BBC One, it was reported.
Channel 4 has signed a three-year agreement with Love Productions.
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