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Richard Ayoade tipped to host the Great British Bake Off on Channel 4

Great British Bake Off hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins bring their distinctive warmth and charm to the famous marquee through their exchange of top banter, hilarious puns and double entendres.

And after acquiring the nation’s beloved baking show from the BBC, it looks like Channel 4 are following the same recipe, with Richard Ayoade named as the next presenter in line for the gig.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

The 39-year-old TV presenter, comedian and actor is perhaps best known as computer nerd Maurice Moss on C4 sitcom The IT Crowd as well as regular appearances on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

According to reports, Richard could be about to land another role on the terrestrial channel, as Bake Off bosses believe his dry sense of humour and penchant for puns could make him the ideal replacement.

Speaking of the new frontrunner, a source told The Sun: “Richard is a really popular choice at the minute, as many think he’s got a great character that would bring a great spark to the show.

Copyright [BBC/WENN]

“He’s got a wonderful off-beat sense of humour, which would really fit the change of channel – and would no doubt be a popular choice with viewers too.”

The Bake Off insider added: “It’s still early days, but he is definitely up there and now the leading candidate.”

If Richard signs on for the new series, he will be joined by Paul Hollywood, who was the only original Bake Off star to move to Channel 4 after Love Productions sold the show for a reported £75m last month.

Copyright [BBC/WENN]

As well as a new host, the broadcaster is looking to secure another baking expert after current Bake Off judge Mary Berry refused to leave the BBC along with Mel and Sue.

Despite some serious backlash about the changes to the line-up, C4’s Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt, recently revealed she isn’t too worried about having lost three out of four members from the original cast.

She insisted: “I think in the end format is incredibly important, and this is a highly successful format.”

The Great British Bake Off returns Wednesday on BBC One.