The Great British Baking Show stands at a crossroads. Yesterday co-host Matt Lucas announced he was leaving the show after three years. Lucas, best known for his work on the shows Lesser Britain and Doctor WhoShe struggled to find a great rhythm with established co-star Noel Fielding. Also, he had a habit of turning the time calls into horribly unfunny bits that only heightened the suspense for the bakers. Needless to say, many baking Fans are excited about his retirement and expect Love Productions to replace him with someone better suited to the tent. But who?
Let’s say Noel Fielding has committed to staying in the tent for a few more seasons. Which UK-based presenter has the skills, comedy style and star power to work well with? The Mighty Boosh Alum? Fielding has softened his hosting style over the years, but he has a penchant for encouraging insanity in the tent. He needs someone who is able to stick to the order when he’s feeling rebellious. Additionally, most of the complaints about Lucas have had to do with prioritizing his comedy plays rather than supporting the Bakers. Matt’s replacement should ideally put the bakers first. They should be the cheerleaders and confidants of the contestants. Above all, whoever replaces Matt Lucas should be fun.
An obvious choice might be Noels Mighty Boosh Buddy Julian Barrett, but we think Noel needs a sunnier wavelength in the tent. Another favorite might be Noel is common Big Fat Quiz Partner Richard Ayoadebut considering he recently resigned from his own travel man… we suspect that he is not enthusiastic about the presentation right now. And no rising British comedy star is quite as synonymous baking as James “Total Meltdown/Bon appetit” Acaster. Although we are big fans of Acaster, He built quite a play in his standup about how his experience is up The Great British Baking Show traumatized him. Additionally, much of his humor is based in righteous outrage. Maybe not the energy that the tent needs?
There are plenty of talented British comics more than capable of saying the words, “Ready, steady, bake!” The question is who can add some much-needed sunshine The Great British Baking Show‘s current grim era? Here are just five people we’d like to replace Matt Lucas with The Great British Baking Show Tent…
1
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is one of Britain’s most exuberant TV presenters, known for her infectious joy and ability to charm even the grumpiest of celebs. (Her interview with Harrison Ford went viral, for example.) Hammond has what it takes to keep up with the rigors of hosting baking and she has a known interest in the show. She is just one of many British TV personalities to have attended Celebrity baking specifically for charity. However, as you can see, Hammond took the briefs (mostly) seriously. She would be a fun foil for Noel’s goth vibe and I bet she would be great at cheering up the bakers.
2
Joe Lycet
Joe Lycett is one of the most popular comics in the UK today and with good reason. He’s a spicy standup comic with a sassy, cute style that has led to Lycett hosting many popular shows. He recently took over travel man by Richard Ayoade and has hosted the baking adjacent Large British sewing bee in the past. He, too, has campaigned in the charity tent, albeit with far less confidence than Alison Hammond. Lycett knows how to balance jokes with the task of cheering up candidates.
3
Siobhan McSweeney
like lycet, Derry girls Alum Siobhan McSweeney has both competed baking and hosted a Love Productions reality show. McSweeney was a charming fan of The great pottery throw for (almost) two seasons. The Irish actress brings her infectious sense of humor to her hosting duties and shows genuine compassion for the attendees. Watch as she ruefully tells a blindfolded potter that she can’t help her pick something up… but she helps her get back on her stool. The only problem is McSweeney may not have time to host both shows.
4
Ellie Taylor
When Siobhan McSweeney broke her leg in a bicycle accident last year, Teddy Lasso Star, comedian, writer and actress Ellie Taylor came in for her The great pottery throw and was GREAT. So much so that I was convinced by her episodes that she had the juice to spin baking around. She’s funny, kind, and most importantly, determined to stretch her time to save contestants’ skins. She’s like the anti-Matt Lucas. So just something The Great British Baking Show needs. (She’s got great style too. Noel might actually have some competition on the fashion front?)
5
Sarah Millican
So I just had to put Sarah Millican on that list Reasons. The hilarious Geordie comic character has been a staple of UK panel shows for years, bewitching us with her witty improvisations and self-deprecating humour. Millican also has a sense of humor reminiscent of Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. if The Great British Baking Show If you want to infuse the current series with some old-school vibes, it wouldn’t hurt to cast a new co-host who would evoke those happier days when Mary Berry was still judging. Not only that, Millican is incredibly funny. She would definitely be able to keep up with Noel in the tent.