Matt Lucas has left the Bake Off tent (Picture: Channel 4)
The Great British Bake Off is looking for a new co-host after Matt Lucas revealed he has stepped down from his role, leaving Noel Fielding without a partner in crème.
The 48-year-old comedian, who has hosted the popular Channel 4 show for three series, announced his departure on social media, explaining that he could no longer commit to the programme’s schedule alongside his other projects.
‘Farewell Bake Off!’ Matt wrote on social media. It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers.
‘But it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects.
‘So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.’
But, who could that someone else be? Well, we’ve drafted a list of potential candidates we’d love to take the reins.
Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade and Noel Fielding would make the ultimate Bake Off pairing (Picture: Channel 4)
Let’s face it, Richard Ayoade would without a doubt be the best person to front Bake Off alongside Noel.
Richard is no stranger to presenting duties, having recently hosted this year’s Bafta TV Awards, as well as helming the likes of The Crystal Maze and Travel Man.
Of course, the pair famously starred in Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd together and have teamed up for many an episode of Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, amongst other projects.
They have natural chemistry as a double act and would no doubt have us, the bakers, and Dame Prue and Paul in hysterics at every moment.
Channel 4, make it happen.
Katherine Ryan
Could Katherine Ryan squeeze Bake Off into her busy schedule? (Picture: Wire Image)
Katherine Ryan is another famous face who could be an ideal co-host alongside Noel.
Like Richard, the pair have starred in a number of TV shows together, including Taskmaster’s Champion of Champions episode, and Big Fat Quiz Of The Year.
She also has an intimate understanding of how the show works having competed in the celebrity spin-off last year.
But Katherine’s a very busy lady and has many current gigs under her belt already, including hosting the BBC competition series All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star and Channel 4’s upcoming series Joe and Katherine’s Bargain Holidays.
Could she fit Bake Off into her busy schedule?
Amelia Dimoldenberg
Amelia Dimoldenberg is among the bookies’ favourites for the job (Picture: Getty)
Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg would be another great fit for the gig.
The YouTube star and comedian is no stranger to the kitchen, and takes centre stage in her own food-based series, Amelia’s Cooking Show, although admittedly, she can’t cook.
Amelia is also a frontrunner as one of the bookies’ favourites to replace Matt.
Could her awkward sense of humour soon be hitting the Bake Off tent?
Dawn French
Would Dawn French give it a shot? (Picture: PA)
Dawn French would be another excellent choice for Bake Off co-host, although she has turned down the chance before though.
Reports claimed she was among the list of stars who refused a role when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2017.
Could she be up for it this time?
Jayde Adams
Could you see Jayde Adams in the tent? (Picture: BBC)
After waltzing into our lives and our hearts on Strictly Come Dancing, we’re keen to see Jayde Adams join Noel on Bake Off.
The comedian has had plenty of experience in front of the camera, having guest starred in panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and appeared in the BBC comedy Alma’s Not Normal.
Jayde was also the host of Channel 4’s cooking competition Crazy Delicious, alongside judges Heston Blumenthal, Carla Hall and Niklas Ekstedt, which aired in 2020.
She has the credentials – and we’re fully behind her.
Who do the bookies reckon will be the next Bake Off co-host?
Betfair is tipping Richard Ayoade as their current favourite for the job at 7/2, closely followed by comedian Joe Lycett at 9/2.
Here are Betfair’s odds in full:
Richard Ayoade 7/2
Joe Lycett 9/2
Nadiya Hussain 7/1
James Acaster 10/1
Amelia Dimoldenberg 12/1
Claudia Winkleman 14/1
Ellie Taylor 14/1
Mel and Sue 16/1
Judi Love 18/1
Seann Walsh 20/1
Matt Berry 10/1
Tom Allen 20/1
Rylan Clark Neal 33/1
Shaparak Khorsandi 25/1
Sara Pascoe 12/1
Babatunde Aleshe 33/1
Great British Bake Off is available to stream on All4.
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Who could be the next celebrity to join Noel Fielding?
