According to reports, Alison Hammond has been named as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off.
The This Morning host is expected to screen films on Channel 4 with comedian Noel Fielding this summer.
Hammond succeeds Matt Lucas and the appointment is expected to be announced within days, The Mirror reports.
A source told the newspaper: “Alison is a great choice. She will bring warmth and humor to the tent in spades. We just laugh about it when we think about it.”
Hammond, 48, has been a presenter and reporter on ITV’s This Morning since 2002. She will be the first non-white presenter or judge since The Great British Bake Off launched in 2010.
Lucas announced in December that he was stepping down from his role as a host on the show.
The 49-year-old explained he would be leaving after three series as he can no longer commit to the program alongside his other projects, including his new role as host of the revived comedy show Fantasy Football League.
He wrote on Instagram: “Goodbye Bake Off! It’s been a delightful experience and I can’t imagine a more enjoyable way to spend my summers, but it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all of my other projects.
“So after three series and 51 episodes I happily pass the baguette on to someone else.
The presenter also praised his team, adding: “I would like to say a huge thank you and gratitude to everyone from Love Productions and Channel 4, and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and of course the wonderful bakers for welcoming us. me in the tent.”
“I wish whoever takes over all the best and can’t wait to tune into the next series without knowing who won already! xxx Mat”.