Standing in for Noel Fielding

Tom Allen is to stand in for Noel Fielding for the Great British Bake Off Christmas special.

The comedian – who already hosts spin-off An Extra Slice – is stepping up because the Boosh star is on paternity leave.

‘I was thrilled to be asked to host with Matt Lucas,’ the 37-year-old said. ‘Finally bald gay men are getting their chance on television.’

Speaking at the recording of Jonathan Ross’s ITV chat show, which airs tomorrow, Allen  also joked that working on Bake Off Professionals wasn’t good for his waistline.

‘I was eating cake so much I gad to be cut out of a waistcoat,’ he joked.

Fielding, 47, became a dad for the second time late last month after his girlfriend Lliana Bird gave birth to a baby girl.

Published: 13 Nov 2020