Paul Hollywood will be joined by three new faces on the Great British Bake Off when it moves to Channel 4 later this year. Food writer and novelist Prue Leith, comedian and writer Sandi Toksvig OBE and comedian and actor Noel Fielding will complete the line-up for the eighth series of the show, it has been announced. Prue, Sandi and Noel replace veteran TV chef Mary Berry and hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, who all chose to step down following the show's departure from the BBC.
Prue Leith says she'd love to replace Mary Berry
"I could not be more delighted by who will be joining me on the show," said Paul. "Prue is a hugely respected culinary legend and Sandi and Noel are warm and utterly hilarious. I cannot wait to get back in the tent with the bakers." Prue, who was a favourite to replace Mary, said: "I am just so thrilled to be joining Paul, Sandi and Noel on the biggest show on TV and I cannot wait to see what the real stars of the show – the bakers – are going to create for us. It is such an honour to be part of The Great British Bake Off team."
Prue Leith will replace Mary Berry
Nadiya Hussain to host new TV cooking show
Noel added that Bake Off is one of his "favourite shows", saying: "I've always loved brightly coloured cakes and Sandi Toksvig so this is a dream come true for me! It's basically the double." Sandi added: "It is an extraordinary honour to part of this national treasure of a show. Noel Fielding is one of the nicest guys in show business. The first time I met him I felt like I had met a rather wayward cousin whose take on the world made me laugh. The only down side is that he has much better dress sense that I do. I spend my daytimes on Channel 4 already so it will be a treat to be there in the evenings. I am so delighted to be working with Love Productions and Channel 4 on this best of British show."