Paul Hollywood has said The Great British Bake Off could return in August despite filming being delayed by the lockdown.
Channel 4 was due to start taping the 11th series in spring, with Matt Lucas replacing Sandi Toksvig as the show’s co-host alongside Noel Fielding.
However, recording has been halted until the broadcaster deems it safe to proceed.
Asked whether the show could return in August, Hollywood told Radio Times: “It depends on when the lockdown is lifted.
“If we can get started, we could turn around the programme pretty quickly and still have it out in late summer or early autumn.”
The celebrity baker, 54, praised Toksvig but said the news she was stepping down had been a “surprise”.
He said: “It was a surprise and I was really upset. I’m very fond of Sandi. She was never too busy to sit down, have a chat and put the world to rights.
“We shared a couple of drinks and had some good times together. I’m going to miss her.
“Matt’s going to be amazing. I’ve been a big fan of Matt’s for many years and I can’t wait to meet him. His humour gets me laughing out loud.
“I just hope Marjorie from Little Britain’s fat club comes to the Bake Off tent because I think that character is fantastic.”
Read the full interview in Radio Times, out now.