is reportedly holding ‘crisis talks’ after Noel Fielding pulled out of his Apple TV Plus show mid-way through filming. The comedian is due to return to film The Great British Bake Off this spring alongside Alison Hammond.
The 51 year old unexpectedly left production whilst filming the second series for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. According to reports, Noel ‘had no choice’ due to his health and the streamer later axed the show.
A source has now informed that the Great British Bake Off is ‘holding crisis talks’ in the event that Noel fails to return as co-host for filming.
They said: “Time is of the essence because bosses need a degree of certainty about who will be fronting Bake Off. So much has to be put in place long before the cameras start rolling and producers are already geared up, ready to go.
“It is Channel 4’s most-watched show, and is still one of the most popular in the UK, so there’s a lot riding on this. All those involved understand this is a health matter, but contingencies have to be put in place.”
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Noel Fielding joined Bake Off in 2017 (Image: Getty)
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was due to film its second season with Noel during the autumn, but the comedian failed to show up after the Christmas break.
A spokesperson for Noel Fielding informed MailOnline: “This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client’s health.
“We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.”
Express Online contacted Channel 4 and Noel’s representative for comment. A spokesperson for Noel said: “There has been absolutely no discussion about Noel stepping down from Bake Off.
“We have been in contact with Channel 4 and Love Productions throughout all the speculation and his “stepping down” has never been part of that dialogue. We can confirm he will be returning to co-host the next series of Bake Off.”
Noel Fielding is due to return for filming for Bake Off in the spring (Image: Channel 4/Instagram)
Noel’s first season with The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was well received by viewers and critics. It also starred the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Tamsin Greig and Joe Wilkinson.
He joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017 when the hit show moved from the over to Channel 4. Noel has worked alongside Sandi Toksvig and Matt Lucas, who have both departed the show, and Paul and Prue Leith remain as head judges.