Why did Sandi Toksvig quit Bake Off and what is she doing now?
SANDI Toksvig announced she would be leaving The Great British Bakeoff in Janaury 2020.
She was unveiled as the show's new co-presenter in March 2017 alongside Noel Fielding, replacing the previous hosts, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.
Why did Sandi leave Bake Off?
Sandi, 62, decided to leave Bake Off because she wanted to focus on other projects.
The Bake Off twitter account wrote: "All pud things come to an end. The upcoming series of The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off will mark the end of Sandi’s magnificent stint as a presenter on the show.
"We would like to thank her for all the wonderful memories and wish her the very best for the future."
Sandi herself wrote a message, some of which read: "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."
However, insiders said at the time she had been unhappy and “desperate to leave for ages”.
Another source said the former co-host, 62, often hid in her dressing room — sparking tensions on the set of the Channel 4 show.
They added: “The only surprise is that she didn’t walk sooner.”
Comedian and former Little Britain star Matt Lucas will replace Sandi and will join Noel Fielding, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood who return for the new series.
What is she doing now?
Sandi revealed she was busy writing a book during lockdown.
She told in August 2020: "I sat in my shed and wrote a book – it’s called Toksvig’s Almanac, with an interesting woman from history for every day of the year – so life didn’t feel that different.
"I’ve grown tomatoes and potatoes from seed, which I’m thrilled with.
"I’ve come over all Prince Charles and speak to the plants each morning."
When asked if she is still in touch with her co-stars, she revealed: "It seems like another lifetime, does it not? I spoke to Prue a couple of days ago and Noel last week. They’re carrying on just fine without me. I suspect meringue is drying even as we speak."