Alison Hammond: BBC cancels plans for Bake Off star to host reboot of quiz show Friends Like These

The BBC has announced that they will no longer be going ahead with a reboot of a popular noughties quiz show.

Alison Hammond, 48, from Birmingham, appeared in a pilot of ‘Friends Like These’ last month as it prepared to return to screens co-hosted by Vernon Kay, also 48.

The much loved quiz show debuted in 1999 with Ant and Dec as hosts, before Ian Wright took over as the face of the show in 2001 and ran until 2003.

According to The Sun, the BBC has scrapped plans to reboot the show which follows two teams of friends as they battle for the chance to win a lavish holiday due to scheduling issues.

A source said: “Bringing back Friends Like These seemed a no-brainer but bosses felt it wasn’t the right time, as the light entertainment schedule is just so packed.

“It’s no reflection on either Alison or Vernon, who did a sterling job as hosts. There’s hope it could be reignited further down the line.”

This comes after Alison Hammond was recently announced as the new co-host of The Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding.

Alison has reassured fans of ITV’s This Morning that despite her new role, she is committed to the daytime show and won’t leave until she’s “got a walking stick and grey hair”.

Alison Hammond will join her ITV co-hosts for a 150-minute special of ITV’s This Morning on 5 May. The show is set to be broadcasted live from the Coronation Street cobbles to mark the King’s Coronation.

"I literally cannot wait to be back visiting those cobbles again. I always have such a great time with the Coronation Street team and to be there with our This Morning team this time for such a special occasion will be epic, it’s going to be so much fun,” Alison said.

The busy TV personality has been seen enjoying a blissful getaway in Tunisia, which was gifted by On The Beach holidays, as she takes a short break from presenting.

Alison shared memorable moments from the “last minute” trip with her over 1 million Instagram followers in a reel.

The BAFTA-nominated presenter appeared in good spirits as she went on a pirate boat adventure, rode a desert buggy and indulged in the local cuisine.

She captioned the post: “Some much needed Rest for me in Tunisia thanks @onthebeachholidays for my last minute stay at @phenicia_hotel_tts , Can’t wait to go back ! Met some lovely people and feel well rested and chilled 💗Hotel #gifted”