Alison Hammond set to be announced as new host of The Great British Bake Off

Alison Hammond is to become the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off, replacing Matt Lucas.

The 48-year-old star, who recently impressed as co-host of the BAFTA Film Awards, announced her new role on Twitter, telling fans she’s “so excited” for her new job.

Hammond, 48, is the first black Caribbean host or judge to appear on the flagship Channel 4 programme during its 14-year history.

The star first shot to fame when starring on the third series of reality television show Big Brother.

She was then signed up as a reporter and later presenter on This Morning, and most recently hosted the BAFTA Film Awards alongside actor Richard E Grant.

She also made an appearance on the celebrity version of Bake Off in 2020, which every year raises money for charity Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Hammond will take over hosting duties from comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who announced he was leaving the popular baking show in December, after three series.

At the time, he said it had been a “delicious experience” and could not imagine a “more fun way” of spending his summers, but was struggling to fit other projects into his schedule.

Hammond will co-present alongside actor and comedian Noel Fielding, 49 – a performer known for his dark and surreal comedy who surprised many when he joined the show in 2017.

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Bake Off is expected to start filming this summer, with Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood to return as judges.

Sky News has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

This article was originally published by Sky.com. Read the original article here.