Noel Fielding mystery as star breaks social media silence after show axe and Bake Off future in doubt
NOEL Fielding has broken his social media silence after his comedy show was axed – and his Bake Off presenting slot left hanging in the balance.
The Sun exclusively revealed how Noel, 51, could step down from Channel 4 show Bake Off following a mystery illness which led to his Apple TV+ comedy series being pulled.
Noel‘s representatives confirmed this week that the cancellation of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was due to a “health matter.”
Now there are fears that the popular star may not return to The Great British Bake Off, which starts filming in April.
Love Productions, who make the beloved Channel 4 show, are reportedly concerned for the star’s future – and preparing for his “sudden exit.”
Amid the telly turmoil, Noel has been keeping his 1.4million Instagram followers up to date with his thoughts on a variety of issues.
Noel, who posted his last selfie to celebrate the New Year, uploaded two snapshots in the past couple of days in tribute to his favourite stars.
One showed his drawing of Scottish footballer Denis Law, who sadly passed away last week.
In his caption, the comedy star wrote: “Denis Law rest in peace x x x”
Another saw him upload an image of legendary director David Lynch – who died earlier this month aged 78 – alongside a series of black love hearts.
He has also been posting a variety of music and motorbike videos on his Instagram Stories.
One fan was quick to note on X: “Noel Fielding happily posting away on Instagram like he didn’t just ditch a tv series.”
OVER-BAKED?
Noel’s health fears have sparked worries the popular star may not return to The Great British Bake Off, which starts filming in April.
According to the MailOnline, they are “drawing up contingency plans” in case The Mighty Boosh frontman quits the show.
An insider told the outlet: “Everyone at Love Productions was, of course, worried to learn about Noel’s ill health, and will do everything they can to support him.
“Nothing is set in stone, but they are preparing for every possible outcome and have plans in place if Noel is unable to continue as host on series 16.”
A TV insider said: “Time is of the essence because bosses need a degree of certainty about who will be fronting Bake Off.
“So much has to be put in place long before the cameras start rolling and producers are already geared up, ready to go.
“It is Channel 4’s most-watched show, and is still one of the most popular in the UK, so there’s a lot riding on this.
“All those involved understand this is a health matter, but contingencies have to be put in place.”
OFF SCREEN
The Sun revealed last week how the second series of Noel’s Dick Turpin comedy show had been abandoned.
Noel failed to turn up to continue filming after the Christmas break, despite being a co-writer and executive producer.
He also played the lead role of the legendary highwayman.
His furious co-stars and crew are now said to be plotting legal action after his no-show – with the actor said to be in France.
A TV insider told us last week: “They were understandably bewildered and infuriated by the bombshell because the shoe show required millions of pounds, months of planning and hours of work.
“It now effectively means that they are all out of work and looking for new jobs, but they still haven’t had a full explanation.
“Naturally, the rumour mill is in overtime as to what has happened with Noel, but it must have been very serious to axe the whole show.
“In most circumstances execs will at least consider pausing filming, but for some reason they decided to throw in the towel before the situation got any worse.”
Noel shot to fame starring in off-the-wall comedy The Mighty Boosh, which aired on the BBC from 2004 to 2007.
It turned him into a star in his own right and he went on to feature in a string of TV shows ranging from QI to Taskmaster.