Channel 4 ‘struggling to find replacement hosts’ ahead of new Great British Bake Off series

Channel 4’s recipe for Great British Bake Off success is still missing a couple of vital ingredients in the form of replacement hosts for Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, who originally fronted the show on BBC One.

The broadcaster, who acquired the rights to the show from Love Productions for £75m in September, have reportedly been struggling to secure new presenters after the comedic duo walked away from the series last year.

According to The Sun, comic Josh Widdicombe and TV presenter Kate Quilton had been in the hat for the roles, with actor Richard Ayoade also having been previously tipped for a slot on the show.

However those in talks for the job are reportedly reluctant to step into Mel and Sue’s shoes, on the UK’s most watched television series, for fear of angering their popular predecessors.

“Channel 4 is gunning to make it the best ever series yet and is trying to sign up huge names,” a source told the tabloid. “But talks have stalled as to who will replace Mel and Sue as no one in a small industry wants to be seen to be stepping on their toes.”

The insider explained: “Big-name chefs with huge gravitas are all desperate to replace Mary because they have seen what it has done for her brand and career but young presenters are running scared at the idea of upsetting Mel and Sue.”

They added: “They are determined to get the best possible presenters they can but they are still a while off yet because so many of the obvious candidates love Bake Off.

“No one wants to be the person who took it on and failed.”

Meanwhile, Paul Hollywood is set to judge the new series alongside TV cook Prue Leith, who has been tipped as Mary Berry’s replacement after she decided to step down “out of loyalty” to the Beeb, according to reports.

The Great British Bake Off is scheduled to air on Channel 4 later this year. So, watch this space.