Channel 4 is currently facing the mammoth task of creating a new ‘Great British Bake Off’ presenting and judging team, following the departure of, well, everyone but Paul Hollywood.
It seems they may have now found an answer to part of the problem, in Australian cook and writer Dan Lepard.
Open Image Modal
Dan Lepard
Steve MeddleREXShutterstock
The chef, who is a regular guest on ‘Sunday Brunch’, could be joining Paul as a judge on the show, reports the Daily Star.
Meanwhile, reports stating that the BBC are planning to launch a new, rival show have begun circulating, and there’s even been claims that they could launch their new format before Channel 4 screens its first series of ‘Bake Off’.
NOW READ:
10 Possible Choices To Replace Mel And Sue On 'Great British Bake Off'
Jo Brand(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
The obvious choice - Jo fits in well with the 'Bake Off' brand (IF YOU'LL PARDON THE PUN) having hosted spin-off show extra slice for the past three years.
She was also named the bookies' favourite, more or less as soon as Mel and Sue announced they were stepping down. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Davina McCall(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Channel 4 and Davina go way back, with 'Big Brother', 'The Million Pound Drop' and 'The Jump' all among the projects she's worked with on C4 in the past.
On Twitter, hers is the name we keep seeing crop up time and time again, either from people crying out for her to get the job, or pleading with Channel 4 not to give it to her. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
Another of Channel 4's go-tos, Alan at the helm of 'Bake Off' would be a complete change in direction for the show, with his energy and buoyant enthusiasm contrasting heavily with Mel and Sue's more subdued and laidback approach to presenting. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain and Tamal Ray(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Reigning champ Nadiya has already forged a successful career as a TV personality for herself, and it didn't even take her a year after she won, so putting her in charge might seem like a natural progression.
In our opinion, it would be a bit too obvious, though, but we'd definitely be in favour of her forming a new double act with runner-up Tamal, with whom she got along like a house on fire in their days on 'GBBO'. (credit:BBC)
John Whaite(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
That said, John Whaite has always held a special place in 'Bake Off' fans' hearts since his victory in the third season.
Like Nadiya, he too has managed to bag himself a career in TV, so we wouldn't be surprised if the offer fell at his feet either. (credit:Steve MeddleITVRexShutterstock)
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
'Ready... set... BAKE... no wait... erm... not yet, don't bake yet. OH WAIT. No, do bake. So yeah... bake. Sorry about that.' (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Julian Clary(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
He might seem like a bit of a left-of-field choice for the gig, but when you think about it, he's a perfect fit for 'Bake Off'.
Julian is the undisputed king of innuendo, and his soft-spoken style lends itself perfectly to the 'Bake Off' tent.
He's also become a dab hand at light entertainment since his 'CBB' days, appearing on the panel of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar', as well as fronting 'Nature Nuts' and appearing on 'Give A Dog A Home'. (credit:Roberto Ricciuti via Getty Images)
Geri Horner(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
Anyone who's been keeping an eye on Geri's Instagram page will know she's become a baking devotee since her winning stint on celebrity 'Bake Off', and this video of her interviewing Avril Lavigne proves she's certainly got a unique interviewing style.
Another star whose name has repeatedly been cropping up.
Emma must be so stressed out interviewing the stars of 'Celebrity Big Brother' twice a year that we'd be quite happy for her to land a presenting gig that's a bit more... calming. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
OH BUT DON'T YOU SEE? They aren't doing it. And they felt the need to tell us this in one the least funny celebrity 'pranks' in recent memory, at the height of 'Bake Off' mania. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)