The Great British Bake Off: Former host Sandi Toksvig reveals why she walked away from the show

Sandi Toksvig, a well-known British comedian, broadcaster, and writer, is best known for her wit and charm on various TV shows, including QI and her stint as a host on The Great British Bake Off (GBBO).

Toksvig joined the show in 2017, alongside Noel Fielding - who has a £4.5 million empire, and quickly became a fan-favourite with her witty humour and charming presence. She co-hosted for three seasons before announcing her departure in 2020. Her dynamic partnership with Fielding brought a unique energy to the show, but since leaving it appears their friendship has taken a hit.

GBBO’s Sandi Toksvig reveals the real reason she quit the show

According to MailOnline, Toksvig recently opened up about her experience on the show and revealed that she no longer talks to her former co-host Noel Fielding. She confirmed in an interview that she is not in touch with Fielding, saying simply, ‘No,’ when asked if they remain friends.

While she formed a strong bond with judge Prue Leith, who she described as being ‘joined at the hip’ with, her connection with Fielding didn’t seem to extend beyond their professional time together. Fielding, in response, has been more diplomatic, recently stating that he has fond memories of working with Sandi but added that she wasn’t best fit for the show. He said:

Sandi, as we know, is a massive brain. She went to Cambridge, she's super-smart, she writes, she does politics, she needs to be stimulated. She never stays anywhere too long, except QI which is the perfect show for her.

The difference between us is that I've always really enjoyed hanging out with the bakers. I befriend them and get them to open up.

The real reason why Sandi Toksvig quit GBBO

Talking about her reason for quitting the show, Toksvig revealed that her time on the show felt like ‘three of the longest years of my life,’ admitting that she had never watched the show before joining and didn’t particularly understand its appeal. She said:

It's not for me. I walked away from the biggest paycheque of my life, but that's fine. I'd never watched it. I still haven't watched it. I didn't understand it.

Cakes are readily available in the shops. I didn't enjoy the process. There was this showbiz thing you'd made it with Bake Off, it was a big show, getting a lot of attention.

What has Sandi Toksvig been doing since leaving the show?

Since leaving The Great British Bake Off, Sandi Toksvig has been keeping busy with several projects. She recently released a new book titled Friends of Dorothy, a novel that explores themes related to LGBTQ+ history, using humour and her trademark insightful observations, reports The Brighton Magazine.

The book has been well-received, and Toksvig is currently on a tour promoting it. Her live shows feature readings from the book, humorous anecdotes, and audience Q&A sessions.

Aside from her book tour, Toksvig recently officiated the third wedding of ABBA star Björn Ulvaeus with Christina Sas, reports LBC. The wedding took place in September 2024 in Copenhagen. The couple, who started dating in 2022, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends.

Toksvig and Ulvaeus have shared a friendship that goes back to their collaboration on Mamma Mia! The Party in 2018.

Read more:

Mary Berry reveals why she doesn’t watch Great British Bake Off and what she has planned for the future

Alison Hammond: The presenter says hosting Great British Bake Off was 'meant to be'

Paul Hollywood: Meet the Bake Off presenter's reported new wife, Melissa Spalding

Sources used:

Daily Mail: Sandi Toksvig reveals why she walked away from the 'biggest pay cheque of her life' hosting Bake Off and bluntly divulges who she no longer speaks to from the show

The Brighton Magazine: Interview: Sandi Toksvig Chats About Her Laugh-Out-Loud Novel Friends Of Dorothy Ahead Of Live Date @ Brighton Dome

LBC: 'I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do': ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus, 79, married by Bake Off's Sandi Toksvig at third wedding