Noel Fielding, the beloved co-host of The Great British Bake Off, recently shared his thoughts on the new series, his journey from a cult comedy star to a mainstream television figure, and how his career continues to surprise him. As the 15th season of Bake Off kicks off, Fielding is excited about the high standards and remarkable talent of this year’s bakers. Yet, for him, one of the funniest moments of the season had nothing to do with cakes—it was when his co-host Alison Hammond fell out of a hammock, a memory that continues to amuse him.
Fielding’s Unexpected Journey with Bake Off
Having joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017, Fielding is now a veteran of the series, surpassing the tenure of original hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Reflecting on his time with the show, he admits he never imagined lasting this long. Initially terrified when he and Sandi Toksvig took over, Fielding now feels at home in the Bake Off tent, forging meaningful connections with the contestants. His nurturing side has become one of the unexpected strengths he brings to the show, and he admits to getting emotional when bakers leave the competition.
Fielding has now worked with three co-hosts, and his current partner, Alison Hammond, brings a fresh energy to the show. While Hammond isn’t a comedian like Fielding, her natural humor and improvisation skills have made her a perfect fit. “She’s instinctively funny,” Fielding notes, adding that even his children adore her. He humorously recalls Hammond’s attempt to resist the temptation of cake during filming, only to see her diving back in with enthusiasm.
Life Beyond the Bake-Off Tent
Outside of Bake Off, Fielding remains deeply involved in comedy and the arts. Earlier this year, he found success with The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, a historical comedy that has been picked up for a second season. Although he jokes about his limited horseback riding skills for the role, he is excited about the opportunity to work on a show with a real budget—something that contrasts sharply with the scrappy, DIY ethos of his early days in The Mighty Boosh.
Fielding also acknowledges that his shift toward family-friendly entertainment with Bake Off aligns well with his current phase of life. As a father of two, he no longer feels the pull of the wild party scene that defined his earlier years. Instead, he’s found joy in his family and in creating art, both on-screen and off. Reflecting on his artistic ambitions, he cites fellow comedian Vic Reeves as an inspiration, noting his desire to focus more on art as he gets older.
From his hedonistic past to his current role as a TV host and father, Fielding’s career has taken many unexpected turns. Yet, through it all, he remains a uniquely eccentric and cherished figure in British entertainment, constantly surprising himself as much as his audience.
