The new Bake Off host is days away from stepping into the tent - here's everything we know about them.
As the return of the Great British Bake Off 2023 fast approaches, fans are wondering who the new Bake Off host is. After taking over from Sandi Toksvig, previous co-host Matt Lucas announced his departure from the show in December 2022, and following months of speculation as to who would replace him it was announced back in March that Alison Hammond will be joining fellow co-host Noel Fielding alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
Hammond has previously participated as a baker on the show during a Stand Up to Cancer special and is bringing her happy energy back to support this year's group of amateur bakers. After crashing onto our screens back in 2002 on Big Brother, Hammond has been a part of multiple reality TV and presenting roles throughout the years with her natural comedic flair, making her an excellent addition to the team.
Who is the new Bake Off host?
Alison Hammond was confirmed as the new Bake Off host on Friday 17 March. The TV star announced the news on her social media accounts, with a video of a cake in the shape of the Bake Off tent - including sugar models of herself, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
She will be taking over from Matt Lucas, who announced he would be leaving Bake Off back in December, after co-hosting three series. But it won't be the first time Alison has visited the Bake Off tent, however, as the TV presenter also made an appearance on 2020's Celebrity Bake Off.
Bake Off fans have been quick to celebrate the news of Alison Hammond's new role on social media. One Twitter user replied to Alison's tweet saying, "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! Congratulations Alison! Cannot wait to see you on #GBBO!! Brilliant".
Another wrote, "Yessss this is amazing!!" while a third user said, "Brilliant news! Congratulations".
Who is Alison Hammond?
Alison Hammond is a TV presenter and personality, who first shot to fame when she appeared on the third series of Big Brother. Since then Hammond has appeared on numerous panel and reality shows ranging from Loose Women to I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Alison is now a household name across the UK, bringing her charismatic and hilarious energy to everything she works on. Her interview style allows for both listener and interviewee to feel at ease due to her informal and relaxed style.
Weeks after rumours of Alison’s engagement to Landscape Gardener Ben Hawkins, she announced her split live on air whilst presenting This Morning. With no new potential partners revealed, Hammond’s focal man in her life is 18-year-old son Aiden.
According to The Mirror it is rumoured that Love Island producers are keen to see if the talent for reality TV runs in the family, having already approached Alison’s son to participate on the show.
Why is Matt Lucas leaving Bake Off?
Matt Lucas is leaving The Great British Bake Off due to scheduling issues with his other projects, including Fantasy Football League, which returned to TV screens after 18 years in September 2022.
The comedian revealed after the latest series of Bake Off that he would be stepping down from his role as a presenter on the show, but he is returning to present this year's Celebrity Bake Off, before Alison Hammond steps into the role.
Announcing his departure from the baking show on Twitter, Matt Lucas said: "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."
For fans of Bake Off, find out more about judge Paul Hollywood and if he's married, and try out one of his recipes for simple scones. Or take a look at where Bake Off is filmed.
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