Great British Bake Off confirms Noel Fielding will return as host alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith
CHANNEL 4 has confirmed that Noel Fielding will continue to host Great British Bake Off following the departure of Sandi Toksvig.
It was revealed earlier this week that the 61-year-old would be leaving the much-loved show after three years of co-hosting it alongside comedian Noel.
But show bosses have reassured fans that Noel, 46, will still be fronting the show with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
Channel 4 confirmed that all three stars have signed new contracts and will be with the show until at least 2023.
Prue, 79, who has also been a part of the show for the last three years, claimed she wants to equal Mary Berry’s seven, and said: "By which time I’ll be 82, which is when she left."
And 53-year-old baker Paul, who has been with the show from the start, said he wants to be a "grumpy old git" on GBBO.
"I think I’ll be getting wheeled on in a wheelchair and they’re going to have to blitz all the bakes and feed me with a spoon," he joked.
But now the hunt begins for Sandi's replacement, and fans are no doubt desperate to know who will join Noel in the tent.
So far some of the names being thrown into the mix include comedians Jo Brand, 62, and Jennifer Saunders, 61, plus 2015's winner Nadiya Hussain, 35, and previous contestant Liam Charles, 22.
Announcing her departure earlier this week, Sandi wrote on Twitter : "When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.
"Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show," she added.
Noel paid tribute to Sandi via Instagram in a touching post. Sharing a picture of the two of them together, he wrote: "I feel like Tom without Jerry ! Mick without Keef!
"I’m gonna miss you Sandi and our strange and magical double act. it’s been a joy to hang out and muck about in the Tent with you. thank you for 3 wonderful years ! You will always be my favourite Ewok Viking!"
Yesterday The Sun Online reported that Sandi had been desperate to quit the Channel 4 show for some time and used to hide away from her co-stars in her dressing room.
One source said: "The atmosphere on set had been lively and upbeat, but as time went on Sandi seemed to be enjoying it less and less and just didn’t want to get involved.
"She spent most of her time hiding out in what looked like a bijou shepherd’s hut she’d had set up, knitting on her own — and quite often grumbling about it all," the insider continued.
"As time went on it sparked some real tensions and everybody felt uncomfortable. By the end of the last series it was obvious she wanted out as soon as possible."