Matt Lucas confirmed as Sandi Toksvig's 'Great British Bake Off' replacement

Matt Lucas has been confirmed as Sandi Toksvig's replacement on The Great British Bake Off.

He will join Noel Fielding in presenting the programme after Toksvig announced she would be stepping down earlier in the year.

The news was confirmed on the Channel 4 show’s official Twitter page, which welcomed the Little Britain star as the “newest member of the team”.

Read more: Jo Brand didn’t want to replace Sandi Toksvig on Bake Off

Lucas said of his new role: "I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can’t wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers.

“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation."

The comedian joked about the job via Twitter by posting a photo of himself as Little Britain character Marjorie Dawes, who was head of weight loss group Fat Fighters in the comedy series.

His new co-star Fielding said: “I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile. I think if we play our cards right we could become the next Chas and Morph.”

They will be part of the show’s team alongside judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the next main series, which is due to kick off later in the year.

Hollywood said of Lucas: “I’m a genuine fan of Matt’s, he’s a fantastic addition to the team and I can’t wait to start working with him.”

Leith said: “So excited to be working with @RealMattLucas, the combination of him and @noelfielding11, will we stop laughing long enough to get any filming done??!!!”

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Back in January, Toksvig explained she was leaving Bake Off behind after three years to “spend more time with [her] other work”.

She can currently be seen hosting the show for her final few episodes on the Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, which kicked off on Tuesday evening.