Emma Bunton confirmed as US 'Bake Off' host

Spice Girl Emma Bunton has been confirmed as the new host of The Great American Baking Show, the US version of Great British Bake Off.

Speaking on Heart Radio Bunton described the gig as her ‘dream job’ and ‘Christmas time, eating cake and having such a brilliant time with Spice, Sherry and Paul.’

The 42-year-old will presumedly be taking some time away from her Heart Radio presenter duties for the States as the latest host of the popular baking series.

The American Baking Show will return for its fourth series later this year. Bunton will be joining fellow Brit Paul Hollywood, who serves as a judge alongside Sherry Yard on the show.

She revealed that filming had begun and that Hollywood was ‘great fun’ to work with.

“Just being in the famous tent – honestly it took me a week to get used to being in the tent.

“I had lots of fun with Paul. He’s got a great sense of humour. I did watch out for him [though, as] he can be trouble. He’s got those eyes. Don’t look in his eyes!” Bunton said.

She also said there had been some translation issues already on set.

“There was this whole biscuit week and I was like it was ‘it’s biscuit week’ and they were ‘oh no, it’s cookie week’ and I was like, ‘Hang on, I’m the expert in biscuits,” she said.

The Great American Baking Show was hit by serious scandal in 2017. The series was pulled from ABC following accusations of sexual harassment against one of the show’s judges – Johnny Iuzzini.

Iuzzini, a famed US pastry chef, has denied the allegations, but will not be returning for the fourth series.

While The Great American Baking Show has proven a ratings success, the first attempt to launch Great British Bake Off stateside did not bode as well.

In 2013 The American Baking Competition was cancelled after one season after performing poorly in the ratings. The season was also scandal plagued, as it emerged that married father of one Paul Hollywood had had an affair with fellow judge Marcela Valladolid.

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