In 2020, fans of “The Great British Bake Off” were taken aback when Sandi Toksvig announced her departure from the show after four years. Toksvig, who joined the baking competition in 2017, initially cited her desire to pursue other projects as the reason for her exit. However, she has recently opened up about the deeper motivations behind her decision to leave the beloved series.
Speaking on the “Stirring it Up” podcast, Toksvig revealed that her departure was driven by a need to maintain her integrity and mental well-being. “I was just getting depressed, and it’s about integrity,” she explained. “If you have that, then you can sleep. If you have integrity and you think, ‘I’m doing a good thing, I’m doing a good thing for other people, I’m being good to my friends, my family,’ then that’s fine. There’s no money in the world that can then take that from you.”
Toksvig elaborated on the challenges she faced while working on the show, particularly the long hours and repetitive nature of some tasks. “I mean, no disrespect to people, but watching meringue dry and being told how many different kinds there are, I honestly thought I was going out of my mind,” she said. “I would ring [my wife] Deb and go, ‘Hey Deb, I’m going crazy, I am going crazy.’ Because a five-hour bake, which is 20 minutes on telly, is five hours long.”
Despite the challenges, Toksvig acknowledged that her time on “The Great British Bake Off” was financially rewarding. “It was the biggest paycheck of my life,” she admitted. However, the financial benefits were not enough to outweigh the personal toll the job was taking on her.
When she initially announced her departure, Toksvig tweeted, “When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family. Unusually, I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. Spending time with Prue, Paul, and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life. These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.”
Toksvig and Noel Fielding took over as co-hosts when the show moved to Channel 4, replacing the original duo of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. The same year, Mary Berry stepped down and was replaced by professional chef and restaurateur Prue Leith.
Paul Hollywood, one of the show’s judges, expressed his sadness at Toksvig’s departure. “We had this wonderful selection of books, and she would [knit] little figures. So she made lots of those. She wrote a few scripts. She did a lot of other things… It was a surprise and I was really upset. I’m very fond of Sandi,” he said. “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.”
Toksvig’s departure marked a significant change for “The Great British Bake Off,” which has seen several shifts in its lineup over the years. The show has faced criticism for its increasingly difficult challenges and controversial themes, but it remains a beloved staple of British television.
In the run-up to the show’s 2023 season, producers have acknowledged some of these issues and made changes to improve the viewing experience. This year’s batch of bakers includes standout contestants like final-year student Rowan Claughton, the show’s first-ever deaf contestant Tasha Stones, and engineering-minded resource planner Dan Cazador. Additionally, comedian Matt Lucas has been replaced by U.K. daytime TV presenter Alison Hammond, who has brought a fresh energy to the tent.
Despite these changes, some aspects of the show remain the same. The first episode of the new season, Cake Week, featured challenges that were difficult but not impossible, allowing bakers to showcase their skills without being set up for failure. The tasks included a vertical-layered signature cake, a chocolate and raspberry technical challenge, and a showstopper cake made to look like an animal.
While the show continues to evolve, the departure of beloved figures like Sandi Toksvig serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices that come with being in the public eye. Toksvig’s decision to prioritize her mental health and integrity over financial gain is a testament to her character and a valuable lesson for others in the industry.
As “The Great British Bake Off” moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to face challenges and changes. However, the show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and grow while maintaining the warmth and camaraderie that have made it a favorite among viewers.
Source: Stirring it Up podcast, HELLO! Magazine
