Noel Fielding has defiantly shut down reports that his future on The Great British Bake Off is in doubt after he dropped out of his comedy series, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, over health issues.
The comedian, 51, pulled out of filming the second series of the Apple TV Plus show over Christmas due to a mystery “health matter,” despite being the lead star as well as a writer and executive producer.
The Sun reported that Fielding’s cancellation has led to uncertainty over his upcoming appearance as a Bake Off host alongside Alison Hammond and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollwood.
However, Fielding’s spokesperson told The Standard on Monday: “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.”
They added: “We can confirm he will be returning to co-host the next series of Bake Off.”
The new series of the Channel 4 baking competition, which Fielding joined in 2017, is due to start filming in April.
The Sun had claimed Fielding’s agents are in “crisis talks” with bosses about his future on the show.
“Time is of the essence because bosses need a degree of certainty about who will be fronting Bake Off,” a source said.
“So much has to be put in place long before the cameras start rolling and producers are already geared up, ready to go.”
The insider added: “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.”
The Standard has contacted Channel 4 for further comment.
Fielding played the lead role of the legendary highwayman in the first series of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin last year.
He did not return to filming the Apple show after the Christmas break, forcing the second series to be scrapped mid-way through production, The Times reported last week.
His spokesperson said: “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.”
Fielding’s colleagues are said to be “concerned” about the Mighty Boosh star after his abrupt disappearance from the show.
“Noel has said that he can’t film anymore and so there was no choice but to stop,” a source told The Times.
“It’s not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldn’t have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadn’t been exhausted.
“People have been very concerned about Noel’s wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.”
More than 100 cast and crew members are reportedly considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the show over its sudden cancellation, The Sun reported.
Fielding is a co-writer and executive producer of the show and will likely be sued too, according to the outlet.
