Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig 'chosen for GBBO after rejections from other A-List stars as its revealed bosses are 'worried' about the new line-up
A source close to the show revealed: 'Noel and Sandi are an odd prom dresses and they certainly weren’t top of the list — or even tenth on the list.'
The insider then went on to claim that Love Productions, the creators of the original premise, are now concerned about what will happen to the show's popularity and cult following.
The producers are reportedly fearful that Noel, who is best known for his wacky sense of humour, will not translate with elderly viewers or school kids.
The Bake Off source continued: 'A lot of people at Love Productions are worried about what Channel 4 is going to do with their show.
'Noel is going to turn off a lot of the family viewing that made Bake Off such a favourite.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives of both Noel and the Bake Off for comment.
After months of speculation, Noel and Sandi Toksvig were confirmed as the new hosts of the beloved baking show on Thursday.
The trio will join expert new judge Prue, as well as show stalwart Paul Hollywood, when the series returns to screens later this year on Channel 4.
However, not everyone was pleased the shock new casting, with Bake Off fans taking to slam the line-up. Fans of the were up in arms on Thursday following the announcement of Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig as the new hosts.
However it has now been claimed that the Mighty Boosh star, 43, and the comedienne were not the top choices for the role - and were only picked following the rejections of a number of other stars.
According celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and La Femme 22047 A-line Beaded Neck Short Strapless Red Homecoming Dress duo French and Saunders turned down the presenting gig prior to Noel and Sandi's appointment - which has left show bosses concerned about the new line-up's success.
The paper reports that the famous 'Naked Chef', Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders had been given the opportunity to host the Channel 4 version of the beloved baking show.
However a source told the paper that the channel's 'most loyal presenters' did not believe the series could work away from the BBC - leading them to cast Noel and Sandi instead, alongside Prue Leith.
One user wrote: 'Noel Fielding is an unfunny creep and he's going to RUIN BAKE OFF. THIS IS THE WORST DECISION #gbbo.'
Others added: 'Is @Channel4 having an early attempt at an April fools day joke? Noel Fielding? WTF #GBBO', and 'Noel Fielding?! Really? RIP #gbbo'
Discussing his new role, Noel - famed for his role in The Mighty plus size dresses - said: 'GBBO is one of my favourite shows.
'I've always loved brightly coloured cakes and Sandi Toksvig so this is a dream come true for me! It's basically the double.'
Prue echoed his sentiments as she announced: 'I am just so thrilled to be joining Paul, Sandi and Noel on the biggest show on TV and I cannot wait to see what the real stars of the show – the bakers – are going to create for us.
'It is such an honour to be part of The Great British Bake Off team.'
Another new addition, Sandi, described the new role as an 'extraordinary honour' as she gushed: 'It is an extraordinary honour to part of this national treasure of a show.
