Great British Bake Off fans start petition to get Ainsley Harriott on board as new host of smash hit show
Fans of the show and the 'oily lord' TV chef believe he will be the perfect replacement for the new series
GREAT British Bake Off viewers have been left completely blindsided by the recent shake up of the show, but it appears there may be one person they feel could save it - Ainsley Harriott.
Fans have started to get the TV chef on board as the new face of the soon-to-be Channel 4 show after current hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins quit their hosting duties.
Aiden Matthews, who started the petition, wrote: "It is crucial that the new presenter has the correct personality, charisma and culinary expertise to take it forward.
"We think that Ainsley Harriott is an ideal candidate, as he is known for his joyful demeanour which resonates throughout all the shows which he presents."
They added: "Just think of the potential of Harriott and Berry. He may be the only way to make this whole caffuffle work out."
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Those who have signed the petition have added their comments backing up the proposal.
One wrote: "Ainsley Harriott is my idol and a totally charismatic man who would fit this role perfectly, hopefully it would add an edge to the series and make it funny/entertaining instead of just really f***ing dull."
The TV presenter and chef, 59, has developed a strong online following for his own saucy innuendos, including his love of meat-rubbing and use of oils during his cooking shows.
Ainsley shot to fame on BBC daytime cooking competitions Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready Steady Cook.
Now over 4,000 people have jumped on board to see him make the leap onto primetime TV.
The chef also tried to learn some fancy footwork in last year's Strictly Come Dancing, but was the fourth voted off.
Despite this, his cheeky demeanour won him a legion of new fans.
Earlier today, it was reported that Katie Piper looked set to take on the role after landing herself a two-year 'golden handcuffs' deal with Channel 4 and had a previous work connection with Love Productions.
Love Productions, who own the Great British Bake Off, announced the move from the BBC to Channel 4 after bagging a $75million deal with the company to fund the next three years of the smash hit show.
In protest, hosts Mel and Sue quit the show, and in a joint statement said: "We were very shocked and saddened to learn yesterday evening that Bake Off will be moving from its home.
“We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was.”
It is not yet known whether Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will follow suit or stay with the show when it moves to the new channel.
The Sun Online has contacted Ainsley's representatives for comment.
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