Noel Fielding says he feels like 'Tom Without Jerry'

Noel Fielding has said he was left feeling like 'Tom without Jerry' after Sandi Toksvig announced she is quitting the Great British Bake Off.

The QI host this morning declared that is leaving the show after past three years to focus on other work projects.

She said about her decision:  ‘When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.  Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work.  

‘As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.  Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life.  

‘These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.  Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can happily withstand a change of hosting personnel.   The reason for that, of course, is that the true stars of the show are the bakers themselves.  I wish everyone well.’

Toksvig joined the show alongside judge Prue Leith when Channel 4 poached the format from the  BBC, prompting judge Mary Berry and original hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc to step aside. Only fellow judge Paul Hollywoodstayed with the show.

In response to the news, Boosh star Fielding tweeted: 'I feel like Tom without Jerry ! Mick without a Keef :( gonna miss yooooooooooooooooo and the wonderful times we got to play together in the tent! Double acts are rare and magical beast and working with you was a pleasure x x x all my love Mr Noel x'

Richard McKerrow, executive producer for programme-makers Love Productions said:   ‘We’ll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4, along with Noel, Paul and Prue. She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years, with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the dozens of bakers during her time in the tent. We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond."

Ian Katz, director of programmes at Channel 4 added: ‘Sandi is a huge part of why Bake Off’s move to Channel 4 has been such a success and we are immensely grateful for her contribution to the show. 

‘We will miss her warmth and wit, not to mention her endless willingness to be the butt of jokes about being the least tall person in the Bake Off tent. 

‘Fortunately, her unique voice will continue to have an important presence on the Channel with new shows in development - none of which involve cake.'

 Toksvig will be in the tent for The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer starting this spring, with the hunt now on for her successor.

Her future work includes hosting the Channel 4 series The Write Offs, which will look at the issue of adult literacy.

Published: 16 Jan 2020