The Great British Bake Off 'set to relocate' its iconic marquee ahead of this years summer series - after two years of Covid restrictions

The Great British Bake Off is reportedly set to be 'relocating' its iconic bunting-draped marquee ahead of this years summer series. 

According to The Mirror, the Channel 4 programme will be moving on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a covid 'bubble.'

The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, with contestants and producers staying on-site for six weeks to prevent outbreaks - with the show previously shot at Welford Park in Berkshire.

A source explained to the publication: We won't be filming in a bubble this year, but protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe. 

'All the team, particularly Prue [Leith], found it really tough not being able to go home each week.

'They are delighted that this year it will go back to the way it was, when they filmed at weekends and could leave during the week. 

It is believed that the show has moved on from the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, with the rooms being available to book this summer. 

Series One of Bake Off saw the show contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland. 

However, this was quickly scrapped when it returned for season two, where it was based at Valentines Mansion in Redbridge, near London.  

Speaking to the Full Disclosure podcast, last year, Sue Perkins told how the show is seen as the huge success it is now, but the beginning stages were quite different. 

She said: 'Bake Off can only be seen now through the prism of huge success. 

'But we were there at its inception, when Barry's burger vans were the in-house catering, when we were in a youth hostel at £25 a night — and Mary Berry got bed bugs.

'We were a travelling show and the team had to put the tent up. But it evolved hugely from the intense documentary about foodstuffs into the beloved programme it is now.'

Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four, until they set up at Welford Park in Berkshire, where it remained until the pandemic. 

It is unknown when season 13 of the show will air, however previous years have began in September time. 

Prue Leith has starred alongside original judge Paul Hollywood for the last five seasons, with Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas hosting. 

Matt returned to the show for this second season, last year, having replaced Sandi Toksvig in 2020. 

Great British Bake Off hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit the show in 2016 shortly after it was announced that the series was moving from BBC One to Channel 4. 

Judge Mary Berry turned down a huge pay rise to stay with the baking show after it switched networks after seven years.