Aussie Comedians Score Top Foxtel Hosting Gig

Popular Aussie comedians Claire Hooper and Mel Buttle will join forces for the first time with the announcement that they will host the new Foxtel TV series, The Great Australian Bake Off.

Based on the hugely successful UK version of the show, Hooper and Buttle will be joined by judges Maggie Beer and Matt Moran on the show centred on 12 home baking enthusiasts who are put through gruelling elimination challenges in the hope of being crowned Australia's Best Home Baker. 

Hooper, who has appeared on a number of Aussie TV shows such as Good News Week and The Sideshow said the new gig was special for many reasons. 

"This job is two dreams come true for me. To be on the right side of the camera for tasting the bakes, and to co-host with a funny friend," Hooper said.

"Mel and I have never worked together before but she's one of my absolute favourite comics and I don't mind at all if she ends up making better baking puns than me on camera. My mouth will be full anyway. My enthusiasm for this gig will make up for my actual baking experience level, which is just above beginner and only because I once had a bun in the oven."

Meanwhile Buttle was equally as excited about the new role. 

"I can't believe I got the job! I have no hospitality or restaurant experience at all; however I did spent most afternoons during my uni days watching Ready Steady Cook and Huey's Cooking Adventures.  I think those afternoons have just paid for themselves."

Buttle went on to say that she was very excited about working with Hooper who she looked up to be when starting out as a stand-up comic. 

"...She was one of the big names in comedy when I started out and it's very exciting to be on Bake Off with her. We're good friends and I hope that comes across on air, obviously I want my own trailer though, that goes without saying."

The 10-part series has just kicked off production in Sydney and it will air on the Lifestyle FOOD channel later this year.