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

Alison Hammond is set to replace Matt Lucas as the next host of The Great British Bake Off, the Daily Mirror reports.

The This Morning presenter appeared on the baking competition as a contestant on the celebrity version of the show for Stand Up 2 Cancer.

However, the 48-year-old - also known for her appearances on Big Brother, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice - is now set to return to the tent as a host alongside Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, a source told the Mirror.

If confirmed, the news is set to be a hit with Bake Off fans - calls having been growing online for a woman to take over Lucas' presenting role and a particular preference for Hammond.

Channel 4

A source told The Mirror they think Hammond is a 'great choice'. They continued: "She will bring warmth and humour to the tent in spades. We’re laughing just thinking about it."

And many GBBO fans agree too, having flocked to social media in excitement over Hammond being set to take to the tent in her new role.

One said: "This will be pure chaos and I'm absolutely ready for it."

"Amazing news! Alison Hammond is an icon," another wrote.

A third commented: "Is this for real I'm so happy if it is love Alison so much she would be hilarious."

"Yesss so happy can't wait me and my mum love her," a fourth added.

A final resolved: "This is an excellent choice!!!!"

Twitter

Lucas revealed he would be leaving the Channel 4 show towards the end of last year.

In a statement posted to social media, he wrote: "Farewell Bake Off! It's been a delicious experience and I can't imagine a more fun way of spending my summers.

"But it's become clear to me that I can't present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.

"I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent.

"I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can't wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!"

LADbible has contacted Channel 4 and Alison Hammond for a comment.