Sandi Toksvig has announced she will longer be co-hosting the Great British Bake Off in order to pursue other work projects. Noel Fielding and Sandi joined the Bake Off team when the show moved from BBC One to Channel 4 in 2017 but has now decided to step away from the show and speculation has begun over who will step into her apron. 

Sandi and Noel replaced duo Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins when the baking competition arrived on Channel 4. 

Following the shock move, GBBO winner Nadiya Hussain has been tipped as her replacement. 

Nadiya was crowned the winner in 2015 and bookmakers have predicted she will step back into the infamous tent as a presenter.

The baker and television personality has emerged as the 2/1 favourite with Coral.*

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Susan Calman is in second place at 3/1 and while presenting stalwart Davina McCall can be backed at 4/1.

Coral’s John Hill said: “As a former winner of the show Nadiya Hussain knows all about the Great British Bake Off so it’s no surprise to see her emerge as the favourite to replace Sandi.

“Susan Calman and Davina McCall have both attracted early bets to take over later this year following this surprise news.” 

Will the former Bake Off champion return to the show to help crown new bakers or will Channel 4 head in a different direction?

However, Bake Off bosses might be interested in creating a comedy double act similar to Mel and Sue.

Comedian Jo Brand has been backed by bookmakers William Hill as the 7/2 favourite to replace Sandi.

While Richard Ayoade has just stepped down from hosting Travel Man and is 9/2 favourite to step into the role.

Betway has predicted Caroline Quentin will join the Bake Off team and have put her as their 5/2 favourite.

Meanwhile, Sandi revealed in a statement she was stepping away from the show to focus on other work projects. 

Sandi said: “When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.  

“Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work.”

Sharing her thoughts on Twitter, Sandi said: “As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show. 

“Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life. 

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“These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.

“Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can happily withstand a change of hosting personnel. The reason for that, of course, is that the true stars of the show are the bakers themselves. I wish everyone well.”

Richard McKerrow from Love Productions commented: “We’ll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4, along with Noel, Paul and Prue. 

“She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years, with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the dozens of bakers during her time in the tent. 

“We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond.”

Great British Bake Off will return to Channel 4 later this year.

*All odds accurate up to 1:30pm on Thursday, January 16.

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