Life is SWEET

NOEL FIELDING on why he relishes hosting TV's loveliest competition

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For the past nine series of The Great British Bake Off, Noel Fielding has brought a special blend of genuine empathy, playful chaos and spectacular attire to TV's most-celebrated tent. And when the comedian joins TV Times for an exclusive chat, it's clear that co-hosting the ever-popular C4 culinary competition is still a highlight of his year.

'There's magic to it,' beams Noel, 52. 'You can't be cynical with Bake Off as it's a positive, kind show. That's important, because the world is scary, but Bake Off is a nice place.'

As the 16th run continues this week, Noel and fellow presenter Alison Hammond oversee proceedings as the remaining bakers navigate trials, triumphs and a whole lot of tempering in the always-tricky Chocolate Week. Judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith will task the hopefuls with making chocolate-mousse cups for the Signature Challenge and a white-chocolate tart for the Technical, while the Showstopper revolves around a chocolate fondue display.

Here, Noel tells us more...

How are you finding this series so far?

It has been a banger of a year! The standard has been so high and we identified some pretty good bakers straight away. The bakers got on as a gang quickly and were supportive; they're making friends for life.

But many of them have grown up with Bake Off – some have watched it since they were kids – which makes you feel old! And the tent is like the TARDIS [from BBC1 drama Doctor Who] to them when they first come in. They're like, 'I've seen this tent on telly and now I'm in it!'