The Great British Bake Off has reportedly been thrown into chaos as the team at Channel 4 are considering axing a fan favourite week.
Chiefs at the show may be forced to skip the much-loved chocolate week amid the global cocoa shortage, The Sun has revealed.
It comes after consumers were warned that chocolate bunnies may not be the most affordable Easter present this year due to the rise in cocoa prices.
The price of cocoa has doubled since early 2024 in part due to temperatures and weather conditions that have damaged crops in Africa.
And the cocoa shortages and soar in prices has made Bake Off bosses nervous as to whether to include chocolate week in the next series as they prepare to begin filming soon.
Great British Bake Off is reportedly in chaos as chocolate shortages and soaring prices threatens fan favourite week
Chiefs at the show may be forced to skip the show’s much-loved chocolate week amid the global cocoa shortage, The Sun has revealed
A source told the publication: ‘Producers are fairly confident they’ll be able to get their hands on enough cocoa and choccy products for the series. It’s more about tone and continuity.
‘If there really is a dire lack of chocolate by the time this series airs, it’ll seem a bit out-of-sorts to be displaying gooey, chocolatey wares.
‘Bosses know that fans like to try and recreate recipes after they have aired too, which could be a problem if the shortage remains.’
have contacted Channel 4 representatives for comment.
Cocoa prices surged to an all-time high and are now double what they were a year ago as El Nino has wreaked havoc on the global supply.
The weather phenomenon caused dried temperatures in West Africa, where three quarters of the world-wide supply of cocoa beans – which are used to produce cocoa – are grown.
According to Market Watch, the demand for chocolate is high and manufacturers are ‘ready to pass on added costs to consumers.’
Managing director and senior portfolio specialist Jake Hanley told Market Watch that it will ‘take time for higher prices to filter through to consumer prices.’
He added that major candy companies will also ’employ hedging strategies to control costs and remain competitive during periods of supply shocks.’
A source told the publication: ‘If there really is a dire lack of chocolate by the time this series airs, it’ll seem a bit out-of-sorts to be displaying gooey, chocolatey wares’
Leigh Francis was crowned the winner in the second episode of this year’s Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer
Comedian Rhod Gilbert was also broke down in tears during the episode as he detailed his cancer battle
Meanwhile the celebrity version of the baking show is currently airing on Channel 4 in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
Last week saw Leigh Francis win Star Baker as his incredibly realistic foot cake blew judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith away.
Tasked with creating a cake out of their biggest disaster, Leigh decided to recreate the moment he lost his toenail, crafting an impressive baked replica of his injured foot.
The comedian beat EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, funnyman Rhod Gilbert and radio DJ Yinka Bokinni to receive the Star Baker apron on Sunday night.
Comedian Rhod was also broke down in tears during the episode as he detailed his cancer battle.
Rhod battled the ‘brutal’ disease and got the all clear in October 2023 after being diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2022.
During the episode, he got visibly emotional when expressing how ‘lucky’ he is to be here.
He said: ‘For me, It’s really really emotional to be here. There was a point where I didn’t really know what the future held. Just to be here, to be anywhere, is pretty good. Amazing, yeah.’
He added: ‘I’m lucky to be here at all. I realised when I got cancer that I had been plodding through life thinking “other people get cancer”.’