Paul Hollywood: 'It was a surprise' GBBO judge left 'really upset' amid show shake-up
PAUL HOLLYWOOD - a judge on the Great British Bake Off - has said he was "really upset" to learn that Sandi Toksvig had decided to step down from her presenting duties on the show earlier this year, admitting the news came as a "surprise".
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Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, 54, has said he was "upset" to learn that host Sandi Toksvig, 61, decided to leave the Channel 4 show after three years back in January, admitting the news came as a shock to him.
It was a surprise and I was really upset
When asked if he knew the presenter was planning on stepping down from the show, he told the Radio Times: “No, it was a surprise and I was really upset.
“I’m very fond of Sandi. She was never too busy to sit down, have a chat and put the world to rights.
“We shared a couple of drinks and had some good times together. I’m going to miss her.”
Sandi stepped down from her co-hosting duties with Noel Fielding to “focus on other work projects”.
READ MORE: Steph McGovern hits back at co-host after being called out for 'lie'
She in a statement at the time: “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.
“As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.
“Spending time with Prue [Leith], 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.”
The host will be replaced by Little Britain star Matt Lucas.
Speaking of the show’s newest addition, Paul added: “Matt’s going to be amazing. I’ve been a big fan of Matt’s for many years and I can’t wait to meet him. His humour gets me laughing out loud.
“I just hope Marjorie from Little Britain’s fat club comes to the Bake Off tent because I think that character is fantastic!”
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Paul will return for his 11th year on the show alongside co-host Prue later this year.
Filming for the Channel 4 show is currently postponed due the coronavirus, but Paul believes the show could still go ahead at some point.
He told Express.co.uk: “I’m sure we will manage to get it done at some point.
“If they unleash us into the world before August, then I’m sure we can get three or four programmes up and edited quickly to get them out.
“I’m sure it’ll be a quick turnaround.”
In the meantime, the baker's new three-part series Paul Hollywood Eats Japan kicks off this evening.
The show gives fans an insight into Japan's culinary and traditions in Tokyo and beyond.
Paul Hollywood Eats Japan airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
Read the full interview in Radio Times out now.