An online petition has been launched in a bid to encourage TV bosses to consider chef Ainsley Harriott as the new face of The Great British Bake Off.
Fans of The Great British Bake Off have launched an online petition to get Ainsley Harriott on board as the new face of the show after current hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins quit earlier this week.
People have been calling for the former Ready, Steady, Cook star to take the helm by putting together a Change.org petition to get Ainsley added to the line-up of potential candidates.
Aiden Matthews, who started the petition, wrote: “It is crucial that the new presenter has the correct personality, charisma and culinary expertise to take it forward.
“We think that Ainsley Harriott is an ideal candidate, as he is known for his joyful demeanour which resonates throughout all the shows which he presents. Ready Steady Cook is a prime example of his suitability to host such influential reality television, as is Ainsley's Barbecue Bible.
He added: “Just think of the potential of Harriott and Berry. He may be the only way to make this whole caffuffle [sic] work out.”
Ainsley shot to fame in the 1990s after appearing on BBC daytime cooking competitions Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready Steady Cook.
The chef also appeared on last year's Strictly Come Dancing, but was the fourth voted off.
The petition supporting Ainsley currently has 4,528 signatures and the author claims it will be delivered to Channel 4 and Bake Off directors Scott Tankard and Andy Devonshire for their consideration.
Those who have signed the petition have added their comments backing up the proposal.
One wrote: "I'm signing this petition because I feel that Ainsley is by far the best candidate for the show , he was always great on Ready, Steady Cook and me and my mate Dave enjoy laughing at the ridiculous faces he pulls! Top man did the job."
Another wrote: "I think the addition of Ainsley Harriott would benefit the program greatly and categorically increase viewing figures."
