Alison Hammond set to replace Matt Lucas as Great British Bake Off host

Alison Hammond is set to replace Matt Lucas as host of the Great British Bake Off, according to reports.

The actress and This Morning presenter will step into the role to replace comedian Matt Lucas in the next series of the popular baking show, joining Paul Hollywood, Dame Prue Leith and Noel Fielding.

Bosses of the Channel 4 show are reportedly to announce her as co-presenter to actor and comedian Fielding within days.

Hammond is known for her personality and interviewing style, having been a presenter on ITV’s This Morning since 2002.

One source told the Daily Mirror: “Alison is a great choice. She will bring warmth and humour to the tent in spades. We’re laughing just thinking about it.”

Hammond, 44, would be the first non-white host or judge in the hit show’s 14-year history.

Prior to the role she competed in the third series of Big Brother, and has since gone one to appear in multiple reality shows including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip, Strictly Come Dancing, and Celebrity Masterchef.

More recently she appeared alongside actor Richard E Grant to host the 2023 Baftas.

Hammond has previously appeared on an episode of celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up 2 Cancer, in which she momentarily became confused about the whereabouts of her oven door.

Up against James Blunt, Alex Jones and Joe Sugg, she said at the time: “I do think that good food and good baking comes from the heart – and I’ve got a lot of heart.”

She told Hollywood and Dame Leith: “I love chocolate brownies. Any time I go out and about, try a brownie, it never compares to my brownies. I know that sounds really big headed.”

Lucas announced his departure from the show in December, explaining he was leaving as he could no longer commit to the programme’s schedule alongside his other projects.

The 49-year-old comedian had hosted GBBO with Fielding for three series, describing it as a “delicious experience”.

Reports of Hammond’s new role was met with enthusiasm from industry colleagues, including Richard Osman, who tweeted: “Alison Hammond as new ‘Bake Off’ host is the perfect booking. What a great choice.”