Noel Fielding’s Bake Off future in doubt after mystery illness led to his TV comedy being axed

GREAT British Bake Off host Noel Fielding could step down from the show after a mystery illness led to his Apple TV+ comedy series being axed.

His representatives confirmed this week that the cancellation of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick ­Turpin was due to a “health matter”.

But they are now in crisis talks with the bosses of the Channel 4 contest.

Work on the baking contest is due to start within weeks and a filming date has been set for April.

A TV insider: “Time is of the essence because bosses need a degree of certainty about who will be fronting Bake Off.

“So much has to be put in place long before the cameras start rolling and producers are already geared up, ready to go.

“It is Channel 4’s most-watched show, and is still one of the most popular in the UK, so there’s a lot riding on this.

“All those involved understand this is a health matter, but contingencies have to be put in place.”

The Sun revealed last week how the second series of the Dick Turpin comedy show had been abandoned.

Leading actor Noel, 51, failed to turn up to continue filming after the Christmas break, despite being a co-writer and executive producer.

His spokeswoman said: “This is a confidential matter regarding our client’s health.

“We are saddened by the decision to cease production.”

Noel has co-hosted Channel 4’s Bake Off since 2017, and appears alongside Alison Hammond and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

Yesterday, Noel’s spokeswoman, Caroline Chignall, said: "There has been absolutely no discussion about Noel stepping down from Bake Off.  

"We have been in contact with Channel 4 and Love Productions throughout all the speculation and his “stepping down” has never been part of that dialogue.

"Yes I can confirm he will be returning to co-host the next series of Bake Off."

Channel 4 did not comment, however.