New Bake Off viewing figures drop by almost 4 million - but it's still good news for Channel 4

The premiere was the lowest watched since 2013

New Great British Bake Off viewing figures have dropped by almost 4 million after its controversial move from BBC One to Channel 4.

After months and months of not knowing exactly what Bake Off would look like in its new home, the nation breathed a sigh of relief when Prue and the other newbies took to their roles with ease (Mary, Mel and Sue will always be in our hearts though).

However, even if the show was considered a success by many who took to social media to rave about it, official viewing figures show the new format has attracted a lot of less viewers than what the original show used to on the BBC.

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The first episode of the season, which is now on on Tuesdays instead of the once-sacred Bake Off Wednesday, averaged 6.5 million - around four million less than the previous series premiere, which was watched live by 10.4 million.

The number is likely to rise with on demand streaming, as BBC's did last year to 13.58 million, but it's unlikely it will match the huge success of last year's Bake Off.

However, even though the series premiere is the lowest watched Bake Off debut since its fifth series launched to around 5 million viewers on BBC Two in 2013, the figures seem to be good news for Channel 4.

According to their press office, Tuesday's episode is the channel's most watched show in five years, since London's Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012.

The new format sees Prue Leith replace Mary Berry as a judge

The first episode of the series met Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt's expectations, who hoped to achieve figures anywhere between 5 million and 7 million.

She had also previously said they needed at least 3 million viewers per episode to break even after paying a whooping £75 million for the format.

'The Great British Bake Off's audience last night proves it's still one of the country's favourite shows', Jay said.

'I am delighted millions watched the new team put 12 magnificent bakers through their paces. It's the largest share of young audiences we've had for a show for over a decade.'

Are you watching Bake Off 2017 and do you like the new format? Let us know in the comments!

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