The Great British Bake Off: Richard Ayoade 'lined up' for presenter role on Channel 4 with Paul Hollywood

Other contenders include Jo Brand, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders

Richard Ayoade as Moss in the IT Crowd (Channel 4)

Following the acquisition of The Great British Bake Off by Channel 4, attention turned to whether the presenters and judges would follow.

Unsurprisingly, Mary Berry, Sue Perkins, and Mel Giedroyc decided not to 'follow the dough' (unlike Paul Hollywood) leaving a presenting job wide open.

According to The Sun, an unusual candidate is now the broadcaster’s favourite to take over; Richard Ayoade, best known for his roles in The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, and Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.

A source told the tabloid: “Richard is a really popular choice at the minute, as many think he’s got a great character that would bring a great spark to the show.

“He’s got a wonderful off-beat sense of humour, which would really fit the change of channel – and would no doubt be a popular choice with viewers too. It’s still early days, but he is definitely up there and now the leading candidate.”

Other popular choices include Jo Brand, who recently said she would be willing to move to Channel 4: “I love doing [Extra Slice], I would like to continue doing it, but there are other considerations to think about, so who knows? But I probably would.”

A previous report also detailed how Channel 4 were keen on getting Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders on board the show as presenters to replace Mel and Sue.

Nadiya Hussain, who won The Great British Bake Off last year was thought to be in the running but has since announced her loyalty to the BBC, sparking further rumours she may them up with the previous presenters and Mary Berry to host a rival baking show.