2016 has been an absolute nightmare for a number of reasons, so the arrival of a lovely, Selsasi-full, advert free, uncontroversial (bar a dick bread) series of The Great British Bake Off was welcome news.
But, of course, this year couldn’t stand idly by and let us enjoy something in peace for once – and it was announced that Bake Off would be moving from its home of six years the BBC to Channel 4.
We basically cried and cried at the news – the thought of being invested in a bread week show stopper to then BAM: being hit with an advert break is just too much to handle.
But we soldiered on. We’ll always love the Bake Off, wherever it is – and at least we’ll still have lovely Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins to cheer us up each week, right, RIGHT?
“ABSOLUTELY NOT,” said 2016, as it was announced that Mel and Sue had stepped down as hosts with a statement full of really great baking puns (“we’re not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success.”).
The nation predictably went into meltdown at this news, and theories about who could replace them started propping up – including a very alarming one about David Cameron.
But the more sensible suggestions but forward by the bookies are pretty good, and include Jo Brand, Jennifer Saunders and Davina McCall.
We can see it now – “Bakers, you are live on Channel 4 – please do not swear.”
That would be kind of great actually.
Jo Brand, who hosts the spin off show An Extra Slice, is favourite at 6/1. Jennifer Saunders is 8/1, Sarah Millican is 12/1, and Ed Byrne is 16/1.
Other names tipped include: Emma Willis, Calre Balding, Gino D’Acampo and Rhod Gilbert.