Channel 4 has confirmed that filming on the new series of The Great British Bake Off has been delayed due to coronavirus.

Almost 600,000 people worldwide have now tested positive for COVID-19, with over 27,300 losing their lives, forcing most of the population into isolation to help slow the spread.

The 11th series of the baking contest was due to begin filming in a few weeks ahead of its usual autumn transmission but production has now been put on hold indefinitely.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "We continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of Public Health England and we will delay filming on The Great British Bake Off until it is safe to proceed."

The 11th series will be the first to feature Matt Lucas as co-host to Noel Fielding after Sandi Toksvig quit the show earlier this year.