Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Great British Bake Off: Who will replace Mel and Sue? From the bizarre to the actually possible

Jo Brand and Rachel Riley or Ant and Dec?

Jack Shepherd
Wednesday 14 September 2016 04:06 EDT
Comments
(BBC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

After news broke The Great British Bake Off was moving to Channel 4, attention immediately turned to whether Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry would be staying with the show.

Hours later, Mel and Sue issued a puntastic statement, declaring they would not ‘move with the dough,’ reaffirming their hopes the show would stay with the BBC and that they would not be moving with Love Productions.

Of course, despite the petition, Bake Off will inevitably end up on Channel 4 (they did pay upwards of £25 million for it), the broadcaster having to find a replacement.

So, who shall step into those presenting shoes? Will they be able to bring in crowd favourites like French and Saunders, or will they attract ITV stalwarts Ant and Dec? Here are the best suggestions from the bizarre to the actually possible.

Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc

Having replaced Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as the hosts of Top Gear, perhaps the twosome would be willing to move the C4 and present Bake Off. Perhaps not the best idea ever.

Ant and Dec

Best known for hosting the likes of I’m A Celebrity and their Saturday Night Takeaway show, Ant and Dec have the credentials for presenting a reality TV contest. With their allegiance seemingly with ITV, however, this seems unlikely.

Nigella Lawson and James Martin

Both popular celebrity chefs, the two could make an ideal partnership in the tent. However, if the Hollywood and Berry stay on, there could be too many cooks.

Nadiya Hussein and Tamal Ray

Having both featured in last year’s competition, Nadiya and Tamal were hits with viewers; since the show ended, Nadiya has appeared on a host of TV shows including Loose Women and the brilliantly titled Chronicles of Nadiya. More importantly, the online world seems completely fine with the decision.

French and Saunders

Saunders won celebrity Bake Off. French is a huge fan. Make it happen Channel 4.

Davinia McCall and Dermot O’Leary

Davinia was the face of Channel 4 throughout the 90s. Surely, it is her time to return to the channel and once again dominate the airwaves? Dermot, meanwhile, has become one of the nation’s favourite presenters, signing a big-bucks with X Factor. Surely, he can be lured away?

Rachel Riley and Romesh Ranganathan

The pair helped co-present It's Not Rocket Science on ITV, while Riley has had a long career on Channel 4 in Countdown.

Jo Brand

Having presented Bake Off: Extra Slice, Jo Brand is far and away the bookies favourite to replace Mel and Sue. Her dry wit and brilliant take downs would be a more than adequate replacement for the duo, and the only person who could feasibly present on her own.

Noel Edmonds and Keith Chegwin

Thanks, Wikipedia.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in