Suffolk-based culinary guru Delia Smith has become the latest star to be linked with a role on the new version of the Great british Bake Off when it relaunches on Channel 4 next year.
Hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins have already said the current and final run on the BBC will be their last, and Mary Berry is reported to also be staying with the BBC.
Channel 4 denied reports that Delia, who has a home near Stowmarket, could replace Berry on the show, and that comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders could host the new series.
Also over the weekend the channel’s resident property experts Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsopp were linked with hosting the show, while TV chef Jamie Oliver – who has his own series on Channel 4 – has also been tipped to join judge Paul Hollywood, who is sticking with the series when it changes channel.
“We are taking our time to find the right presenters and judges for Bake Off. We have not approached anyone about the roles,” a Channel 4 spokesman said.
Meanwhile Theresa May, who said found watching The Great British Bake Off “great fun”, said viewers will continue to enjoy the programme when it moves to Channel 4 - as well as a rival show rumoured to be planned by the BBC.
“If we have two Bake Offs in the future then people are going to enjoy them both,” she told the Sunday Times.
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