Bake Off bosses ‘preparing for Noel Fielding to make sudden exit’ after he fails to turn up for filming on new show
GREAT British Bake Off bosses are said to be “preparing for Noel Fielding to make a sudden exit” from the show.
It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed how Noel, 51, could step down from the Channel 4 show after a mystery illness led to his Apple TV+ comedy series being axed.
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.
According to the MailOnline, they are “drawing up contingency plans” in case Noel 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.”
The Sun revealed that crisis talks with the bosses of Bake Off are now being held.
Work on the baking contest is due to start within weeks and a filming date has been set for April.
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.”
The Sun revealed last week how the second series of the Dick Turpin comedy show had been abandoned.
Leading actor Noel failed to turn up to continue filming after the Christmas break, despite being a co-writer and executive producer.
His spokeswoman said: “This is a confidential matter regarding our client’s health.
“We are saddened by the decision to cease production.”
The much-loved star has co-hosted Channel 4’s Bake Off since 2017, and appears alongside Alison Hammond and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
Noel’s spokeswoman told The Sun there had been no specific talks with Channel 4 about him stepping down, and as far as they were concerned he would return as host.
When approached by The Sun, Channel 4 did not comment.