Joe Lycett addresses speculation he could replace Matt Lucas as Bake Off host

Joe Lycett has addressed speculation he could be the next The Great British Bake Off host after Matt Lucas announced his departure from the beloved series earlier this week.

Since Lucas’ announcement, the comedian has become one of the bookies favourites to stand alongside Noel Fielding in the Channel 4 tent, with his odds currently 7/2 with Ladbrokes.

Appearing on Friday’s Lorraine, Lycett was asked by show host Lorraine Kelly asked if he would take the “call” from GBBO after Lucas’ three series.

The 34-year-old said: “I’ve not had the call.

“It’s a lovely programme but the days are so long and I like lying down for long periods of time, so I will not be hosting Bake Off.”

The Scottish presenter then teased: “While they’re baking, you can lie down,” to which Lycett quipped: “That’s a good point. I’ll do it for £100 million.”

Despite his protests, Lycett is no stranger to the GBBO tent having appeared on the celebrity version of the show in 2018 for the Stand Up To Cancer specials -and memorably impressed judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood with his bakes.

On Tuesday, Lucas announced on Instagram that he was stepping down from his presenting role on GBBO after three series.

The comedian explained he was leaving as he could no longer commit to the programme’s schedule alongside his other projects, including his new hosting role on the revived comedy show Fantasy Football League on Sky Max.

He wrote: “Farewell Bake Off! It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers.

“But it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.”

The presenter also praised his team, adding: “I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent.

“I wish whoever takes over all the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won! xxx Matt”.

Following Bake Off’s move to Channel 4 from the BBC in 2017, Fielding and Sandi Toksvig took over as presenters from Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.

Toksvig announced her departure from the show in 2020 and was later replaced by Lucas.