It's been quite a week for Great British Bake Off fans. First came the announcement that the show would be leaving the BBC for Channel 4, and then came the news that popular hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc had quit. But who will replace the beloved duo? Potential replacements are already being lined up by bookies, with Jo Brand, Davina McCall and Jennifer Saunders all tipped as possible contenders.
As the host of GBBO spin-off show An Extra Slice, Jo is odds-on favourite for the job at 6/1, according to bookmakers William Hill. Jennifer, who won Bake Off's celebrity show last year, comes in at 8-1, while comedians Sarah Millican and Ed Byrne are in at 12-1 and 16-1 respectively.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJo Brand, Davina McCall and Jennifer Saunders have all been linked to the GBBO job
Other names linked to the new series, which will air in 2017, include Emma Willis, Clare Balding, Helen Skelton, Gino D'Acampo and Rhod Gilbert.
Whoever gets the job has big shoes to fill. Mel and Sue have fronted the show since its launch on BBC 2 in 2010, and formed a family-like bond with judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. Their warmth with contestants, and infamous innuendos have undoubtedly been instrumental to the show's success.
© Photo: BBCSue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc have confirmed they are stepping down as hosts
The duo announced that they will be stepping down as hosts of GBBO when it moves to Channel 4 in a joint statement this week. They said they were "very shocked and saddened" to learn Bake Off would be leaving the BBC, adding: "The BBC nurtured the show from its infancy and helped give it its distinctive warmth and charm, growing it from an audience of two million to nearly 15 [million] at its peak.
"We've had the most amazing time on Bake Off, and have loved seeing it rise and rise like a pair of yeasted Latvian baps. We're not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success."
© Photo: BBCThere is speculation as to whether Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will stay
Their departure has also raised questions about whether Mary and Paul will stay with the show. Like Mel and Sue, they have made no secret of their desire to stay at the BBC – and with their future uncertain, rumours of a replacement judge have already emerged.
Dad-of-five Jamie Oliver has reportedly thrown himself into the mix, having previously told Now magazine that he would "love" to be involved in the show.
"We watch Bake Off. The whole family loves it," he said. "Secretly, there's always a part of me in mourning because I'd love to be one of the judges. I love Mary Berry and it's really great watching."
