The people’s choice for new Bake Off presenters

Ben GlanvilleHead of Data Services, UK & Growth Markets
September 15, 2016, 10:01 AM GMT+0

It has been an unexpectedly stressful week for Great British Bake Off viewers. Not only are they having to face the prospect of the show being on Channel 4 next year but the programme's popular presenters – Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins – announced they will not move with the show.

But who do the public want to present one of the nation’s best-loved programmes? After news of Mel and Sue’s departure broke on Tuesday evening, YouGov Next Day Omnibus ran a quick turnaround survey to find out the people’s choice for Bake Off presenter.

The top of the list is dominated by well-established presenting duos. By far the most popular choices are Ant and Dec, although whether Channel 4 could prise them away from their "Golden Handcuffs" deal with ITV seems unlikely.

It is the same situation for the public's next choice for Bake Off presenters – Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby – who are similarly tied to the commercial broadcaster.

The first potentially "available" presenter on the list is comedian Jo Brand, who has already been talked about as a possible host of the programme.

Of course, these results are measuring just the initial public reaction to breaking news and public sentiment may change as presenters push themselves forward or details about any format changes to the show emerge that may suit a different style of host.

Find out more about YouGov's Next Day Omnibus

Image from PA