BBC
When we first heard that ‘The Great British Bake Off’ was moving to Channel 4, we tried our best to remain optimistic.
Then… Mel and Sue broke our hearts a little bit, by revealing that they were stepping down from the show at the end of series seven, claiming that they weren’t prepared to host it anywhere other than the BBC.
Over the years, the presenting duo became synonymous with everything that helped ‘Bake Off’ grow into the cultural juggernaut it is today - they were a comfort to the contestants, they provided plenty of silly (but still family-friendly) innuendo and, above all, both seemed just chuffed to be there.
Finding someone to fill those Converse low-tops is going to be no easy task for Channel 4, but if Mel and Sue really aren’t coming back, here are a few of the stars we’d like to see take over...
Jo Brand
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The obvious choice - Jo fits in well with the 'Bake Off' brand (IF YOU'LL PARDON THE PUN) having hosted spin-off show extra slice for the past three years.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down.
Davina McCall
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Channel 4 and Davina go way back, with 'Big Brother', 'The Million Pound Drop' and 'The Jump' all among the projects she's worked with on C4 in the past.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her.
Alan Carr
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Another of Channel 4's go-tos, Alan at the helm of 'Bake Off' would be a complete change in direction for the show, with his energy and buoyant enthusiasm contrasting heavily with Mel and Sue's more subdued and laidback approach to presenting.
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Nadiya Hussain and Tamal Ray
BBC
Reigning champ Nadiya has already forged a successful career as a TV personality for herself, and it didn't even take her a year after she won, so putting her in charge might seem like a natural progression.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'.
John Whaite
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That said, John Whaite has always held a special place in 'Bake Off' fans' hearts since his victory in the third season.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either.
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack
Doug Peters/Doug Peters
'Ready... set... BAKE... no wait... erm... not yet, don't bake yet. OH WAIT. No, do bake. So yeah... bake. Sorry about that.'
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Julian Clary
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He might seem like a bit of a left-of-field choice for the gig, but when you think about it, he's a perfect fit for 'Bake Off'.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'.
Geri Horner
Doug Peters/Doug Peters
Anyone who's been keeping an eye on Geri's Instagram page will know she's become a baking devotee since her winning stint on celebrity 'Bake Off', and this video of her interviewing Avril Lavigne proves she's certainly got a unique interviewing style.
Hmmm.... maybe not.
Hmmm.... maybe not.
Emma Willis
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Another star whose name has repeatedly been cropping up.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming.
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Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby
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OH BUT DON'T YOU SEE? They aren't doing it. And they felt the need to tell us this in one the least funny celebrity 'pranks' in recent memory, at the height of 'Bake Off' mania.