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The Great British Bake Off announces Alison Hammond as new host
By Joanna Sarah-Freedman
17 Mar 2023
2m
The Great British Bake Off has just confirmed who will be replacing Matt Lucas as host.
The Channel 4 show dropped the announcement this morning (March 17th), telling excited fans that Alison Hammond will be taking up hosting duties in the next series alongside Noel Fielding.
The news was heavily rumoured on Thursday night, but then the This Morning star confirmed it herself on Friday.
She shared a video in which she, Noel and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith appeared as miniature figures made out of icing.
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It’s Official!! It’s happening The Great British Bake off ! let’s have it – The cake that is 🤣 so excited @BritishBakeOff @Channel4 @PrueLeith @PaulHollywood @noelfielding11 #GBBO pic.twitter.com/IsOlzLGZPh
— Alison Hammond (@AlisonHammond) March 17, 2023
In the clip, she said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the show.
“It’s official!! It’s happening. The Great British Bake Off! Let’s have it – the cake that is. So excited,” she wrote.
“Icon,” wrote someone in response.
As another said: “You will be so much fun Alison. Can’t wait!!”
“I was sad when Matt Lucas announced he was leaving but it’s totally brightened my day to hear you are taking over! Absolutely the best person to take over!,’ said a third.
Alison Hammond has been announced as Bake Off host (Credit: Twitter: British Bake Off/ Channel 4)
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Alison’s appointment on the show comes after she appeared on Celebrity Bake Off’s Stand Up To Cancer show back in 2020.
When she was under Paul Hollywood’s watchful eye, her biscuits won praise, but he brutally compared her cake decoration skills to that of a five-year old.
Alison replaces Little Britain star, Matt Lucas, after he announced he would be leaving the show last year to take on other projects.
When the baking competition moved to Channel 4 from its original home on the BBC in 2017, Fielding took over as a host alongside Sandi Toksvig.
Their appointment came following Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc’s iconic reign as presenters. Then, when Sandi stood back in 2020, Matt Lucas took over for a three year stint.
Alison Hammond does have a little bit of history in the Bake Off Tent… ❤️ #GBBO https://t.co/FCFJpRF6Mo
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) March 17, 2023
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Speaking of Alison taking up the gig, the show’s executive producer Kieran Smith said: “Alison has already proved herself to be a natural on Bake Off, maybe not as a baker, but as someone who brings an infectious warmth and humour into the tent, we can’t wait for this year’s bakers to meet her and Noel.”
The new gig comes after Alison has also appeared on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Coach Trip and Celebrity MasterChef.
Plus, she hosted the BAFTAs alongside Richard E Grant.
