Is Harry Hill the new Bake Off presenter?

As Junior Bake Off returns to screens tonight with Harry Hill as host, you might be wondering is Harry Hill the new Bake Off presenter?

As presenter Harry Hill prepares to introduce 16 of Britain's best junior bakers all hoping to impress judges Liam Charles and Ranveet Gill, we wonder whether Harry could be the new Bake Off host, after Matt Lucas announced he is stepping down from the role. Many agree his colourful outfits and funny personality would make him a great fit for the show.

Junior Bake Off is a spin-off from the normal show, much like Celebrity Bake Off is too. The popular children's baking contest is kicking off at 5pm on Channel 4 on Monday 16th January, with a new batch of young bakers hoping to win the eighth season.

Is Harry Hill the new Bake Off presenter?

Harry Hill is not the new Bake Off presenter. On Friday 17 March, it was confirmed that it will instead be TV presenter Alison Hammond who is stepping into Matt Lucas' shoes as co-host of the show.

Harry Hill has been Junior Bake Off presenter since 2019 and even took part in the show as a contestant on Stand Up to Cancer campaign in which he based one of his bakes on a holiday with the then Duchess of Cornwall making a bikini-clad Camilla, now Queen Consort, out of gingerbread for a celebrity version of the charity contest.

Speaking of hosting Junior Bake Off Harry said at the time, "I’m very excited to be going back in the tent and breathing the cake fumes – I know a certain duchess will be looking on, brimming with pride.”

Junior contestants face two challenges - a technical and a showstopper - as part of 10 heats of the show.

Viewers previously hoped that Harry would be considered as host of the main show, should then hosts, Sandi Toksvig or Noel Fielding ever leave. 

"Harry Hill was a genius host of Bake Off Junior and tbh they should consider him to host the real thing if Sandi or Noel ever decide to call it a day."

Another fan agreed tweeting, "He's so charming and funny. I can see what you mean."

But Harry hasn't even been listed as a favourite in the running to host the main adult version of the show.

According to Betfair, Richard Ayoade is the 7/2 favourite to join Noel Fielding in the Great British Bake Off tent as a presenter after Matt Lucas revealed he was leaving the show. Former Great British Sewing Bee presenter Joe Lycett is next at 9/2 to step into Lucas’ shoes, with 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain next at 7/1. A return for duo Mel Giedroyc Sue Perkins is 16/1, while James Acaster returning to the tent is 10/1 after his memorable appearance on the celebrity version of the show.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said, “Joe Lycett presented three series of The Great British Sewing Bee and is 9/2 to swap needles for kneading and replace the outgoing Matt Lucas as a presenter on The Great British Bake Off.

“Richard Ayoade is the current 7/2 favourite, with 2015 Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain 7/1. James Acaster made a memorable appearance on the celebrity edition and is 10/1 to return to the tent as a presenter, while a comeback for Mel and Sue is 16/1.”

Who is presenting Bake Off?

Bake Off will now be presented by Noel Fielding and  Alison Hammond. Junior Bake Off Junior will continue to be presented by comedian Harry Hill.

Speaking about a possible replacement, Bake Off judge Prue Leith told viewers of The One Show, "You know, almost everybody who's in telly has told me 'I'm available' as if I had anything to do with it.

"What I think about Matt Lucas is that I'm really sad because I love the guy. He's such fun and he got on well with Noel, they were just brilliant...I don't know who should replace him really."

Related Channel 4 Features:

• Vardy v Rooney: A courtroom drama: Channel 4 air date and cast confirmed
• The Light in The Hall - where is it filmed?
• Why is Escape to the Chateau ending?
• I Am Ruth
• Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins - where is it filmed?

Video of the week