Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding have responded to Alison Hammond being named as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off. It was reported on Thursday night (March 16) that the This Morning star had bagged the role following the exit of comedian and actor Matt.
He announced his departure from the popular Channel 4 show in December, explaining he was leaving as he could no longer commit to the programme’s schedule alongside his other projects but described his time on the show as a "delicious experience". And on Friday morning (March 17), Alison exclaimed 'it's official' as she finally confirmed her next big TV role.
Alison will now co-host the show with Noel and join judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith in the tent, three years after she appeared on an episode of celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, in which she momentarily became confused about the whereabouts of her oven door.
READ MORE: BBC The Apprentice slapped with complaints as Karren Brady comes under fire for cutting remark
Confirming her new TV gig, the 48-year-old shared a video to Instagram in which she interviewed herself - sort off. Alison filmed a celebratory cake which recreated the inside of the tent where the judges cast their verdicts on the contestants' bakes. Sweet figurines of Paul and Prue were included as well as ones of Bake Off's newest hosting duo.
"Yes it's breaking news, Alison Hammond is joining the team of the Great British Bake Off," the This Morning host could be heard saying behind the camera before zooming in on her own icing-based figure and asking: "Alison, have you got any words whatsoever?" Alison then said she was "absolutely thrilled" and confirmed she'd be meeting the new batch of bakers "soon".
Paul Hollywood was among the first to welcome Alison to the famous tent after the announcement was made. The celebrity baker, who has been a judge on the show since it began in 2010, posted a photo of Alison with a specially designed Bake Off cake on his Instagram.
Alongside the post, he wrote: "@alisonhammond55 welcome!!!!! looking forward to seeing you in the tent, you’re going to love it X." Prue also responded to Alison's Instagram post, writing: "Huge congratulations Alison, you will be magnificent and I can’t wait for your infectious laugh to be ringing through the tent."
Matt has since congratulated Alison. He reposted Alison's announcement video to Twitter and wrote: "Dear Alison, many congratulations! You were born to do it. You will be brilliant! Xx." Meanwhile, Alison's new partner in crime Noel said he is "absolutely pumped" to present the hit Channel 4 show.
The comedian posted a photo of his new co-host on his Instagram, writing: "It gives me so much pleasure to welcome @alisonhammond55 into the tent. I’m absolutely pumped we are working together. We are gonna spend the whole time giggling like naughty school kids. The bakers are gonna love you to bits. x x x @paul.hollywood @prueleith @britishbakeoff x."
Meanwhile, Alison's other partner in crime, This Morning co-host Dermot O'Leary, was quick to show his support as he applauded her new gig as they returned to the ITV daytime show on Friday (March 17). Dermot gushed that Alison was the "new Bake Off host" before Alison said: "Can you believe it?"
The studio then burst out in cheers and whoops before Alison revealed that the cake was why she signed up for the show. "I'll be honest with you, I'm just in it for the cake," she admitted, before adding: "I really am."
READ NEXT:
- 'Scared' Molly-Mae Hague told 'don't do it' before date night is 'crashed' with Tommy Fury
- Pregnant Gemma Atkinson gives 'bump update' as she makes observation about her bum
- Jeremy Hunt shares daughter's reaction to Budget speech ITV This Morning appearance with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield slammed
- ITV Coronation Street fans predict Stephen Reid's downfall as well as next victim - and it's not Carla
- Jennifer Aniston breaks golden ITV This Morning rule forcing Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield to apologise
