University of Portsmouth chancellor Sandi Toksvig named as new GBBO presenter

University of Portsmouth chancellor Sandi Toksvig has been named as one of the new presenters of the Great British Bake Off.
Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding who have been confirmed as presenters on Channel 4's The Great British Bake OffSandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding who have been confirmed as presenters on Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off
Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding who have been confirmed as presenters on Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off

The broadcaster and comedian will host the much-loved cookery show when it moves from the BBC to Channel 4 next year.

She will be joined by co-presenter Noel Fielding, as well as judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

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Previous hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, as well as long-standing judge Mary Berry, left the show when it was purchased by the commercial broadcaster last year.

Sandi Toksvig has been chancellor of University of Portsmouth since 2012Sandi Toksvig has been chancellor of University of Portsmouth since 2012
Sandi Toksvig has been chancellor of University of Portsmouth since 2012

Sandi, who also hosts BBC quiz show QI, posted on Twitter: ‘It’s an extraordinary honour to be charged with being in the mix to produce this national treasure of a show #GBBO.’

Sandi started out in children’s television and performed on the stand-up circuit before moving into panel shows including Call My Bluff, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Mock the Week, QI and Have I Got News for You.

The 58-year-old is also well-known for her radio work, featuring on BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, The Unbelievable Truth, and as the chair of The News Quiz, which she left in 2015 to co-found the Women’s Equality Party.

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Her co-host, comedian and actor Noel Fielding, is best-known for his break-out television series The Mighty Boosh.

The previous Great British Bake Off line-up, including judges Mary Berry and Paul HollywoodThe previous Great British Bake Off line-up, including judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood
The previous Great British Bake Off line-up, including judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood

The Great British Bake Off is produced by Love Productions.

In a statement she said: ‘It is an extraordinary honour to part of this national treasure of a show.

‘Noel Fielding is one of the nicest guys in show business. The first time I met him I felt like I had met a rather wayward cousin whose take on the world made me laugh. The only down side is that he has much better dress sense that I do.

‘I spend my daytimes on Channel 4 already so it will be a treat to be there in the evenings. I am so delighted to be working with Love Productions and Channel 4 on this best of British show.’

She has been the chancellor of University of Portsmouth since October 2012.