The Great British Bake Off: Alison Hammond announced as new co-host

Alison Hammond is to become the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off, replacing Matt Lucas.

The 48-year-old star, who recently impressed as co-host of the BAFTA Film Awards, announced her new role on Twitter, telling fans she’s “so excited” for her new job.

She shared a short video of a cake designed in the shape of the classic Bake Off kitchen with sugar models of her standing alongside co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith.

Hammond wrote in her message: “It’s Official!! It’s happening The Great British Bake off! let’s have it – The cake that is, so excited.”

In a voiceover alongside the video, she said: “This is breaking news, Alison Hammond is joining the team of The Great British Bake Off.”

She went on to interview the figurines, saying: “I’m just absolutely thrilled. I’m going to be meeting the bakers very soon. I’m joining The Great British Bake Off. I’m so very excited.”

The show’s official Twitter account also confirmed the news, saying they were “delighted” to announce she would be joining the team to host alongside Fielding later this year.

Fellow celebrities – including Louise Redknapp, Ashley James and dancer James Jordan – were quick to congratulate her online.

Hammond, 48, is the first black host or judge to appear on the flagship Channel 4 programme during its 14-year history.

The star first shot to fame when starring on the third series of reality television show Big Brother.

She was then signed up as a reporter and later presenter on This Morning, and most recently hosted the BAFTA Film Awards alongside actor Richard E Grant.

She’s also appeared on multiple reality shows including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef.

In 2020 Hammond made an appearance on the celebrity version of Bake Off, which every year raises money for charity Stand Up 2 Cancer.

During her stint as a contestant, she delighted viewers by briefly becoming baffled over the location of the oven door.

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Hammond will take over hosting duties from comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who announced he was leaving the popular baking show in December, after three series.

At the time, he said it had been a “delicious experience” and could not imagine a “more fun way” of spending his summers, but was struggling to fit other projects into his schedule.

Hammond will co-present alongside actor and comedian Noel Fielding, 49 – a performer known for his dark and surreal comedy who surprised many when he joined the show.

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A complete change of hosts took place in 2017 when Bake Off moved to Channel 4 from the BBC, with original presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc leaving the show, and Fielding and Sandi Toksvig taking over.

Toksvig announced her departure from the show in 2020 and was later replaced by Lucas, who has co-hosted the last three series.

Bake Off is expected to start filming this summer, with Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood to return as judges.

Sky News has contacted Channel 4 for comment.