Great British Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksvig has quit the programme, Channel 4 has announced.
The broadcaster has decided to step down from her role as host of the show, a position she shares with comic Noel Fielding, after three years at the helm.
Sandi, 61, plans instead to focus on other work projects, which include hosting the forthcoming series of The Write Offs, which looks at the issue of adult literacy.
Sandi said: “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.”
Sandi, who took over hosting duties of BBC quiz show QI from Stephen Fry in 2016, also joked about the affect the show has had on her figure, while also praising her Bake Off colleagues.
“As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show,” she said.
“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.”
Along with the statement, Channel 4 bosses joked about the kind of skills they are looking for in Sandi's replacement.
“The hunt is currently on for a new face to join Noel, Paul and Prue in the tent,” they said.
“Candidates must have experience of mopping up spills and the occasional tear, making tea and keeping the amateur bakers to time.
“More information will be announced in due course.”
We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest TV, entertainment and features from the Manchester Evening News.
To keep up to date with all that is happening, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here .
