Bake Off cast isolate for 6 weeks to make new series as Prue Leith can't get insurance
It is believed Prue, 80, is classed as "vulnerable category", and Channel 4 has struggled to obtain the same insurance cover required it obtained for previous series
Great British Bake Off cast and crew will be forced to quarantine as they film the new series
Great British Bake Off cast and crew will be forced to quarantine as they film the new series after judge Prue Leith was refused insurance cover, according to reports.
It is believed Prue, 80, is classed as "vulnerable", and Channel 4 has struggled to obtain the same insurance cover required it obtained for previous series.
To ensure the series can be filmed this year, cast and crew now face having to spend six weeks away from their families, The Mail on Sunday reports.
C4 chiefs and production company Love Productions have arranged for those involved in the show to stay in the same location until filming is completed, including including judges Paul Hollywood, 54, and new presenter Matt Lucas, 46.
As an extra preventative measure, production staff are already in quarantine at their own homes for two weeks.
It is believed Prue, centre, is classed as "vulnerable category"(Image: PA)
It is believed bake Off bosses initially tried to hire an entire Center Parcs resort to put up its staff and stars, but talks are believed to have broken down.
An alternative venue has now been found but its location has been kept secret.
A source close to the show said: "There were difficulties getting insurance because of Prue's age. She's 80 and so is of a higher risk.
It is believed bake Off bosses initially tried to hire an entire Center Parcs resort to put up its staff and stars(Image: PA)
"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.
"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."
To ensure the series can be filmed this year, cast and crew now face having to spend six weeks away from their families(Image: PA)
They added that Bake Off bosses have jumped through hoops to make the show go ahead after filming of many Channel 4 shows was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Channel 4's revenues were down by 65 per cent for May and more than ten per cent of staff have been furloughed
Bake Off has been contacted by Mirror Online for comment.
