Yahoo News Matt Lucas Quits As Great British Bake Off Host: 'It's Been A Delicious Experience'
Paul Hollywood, Matt Lucas, Prue Leith and Noel Fielding
Matt Lucas has quit as co-host of The Great British Bake Off.
The comedian, who has presented the Channel 4 show alongside Noel Fielding for the past three series, explained he was leaving due to a schedule clash.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday evening, Matt 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.”
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) December 6, 2022
He continued: “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 the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!”
Channel 4 is yet to announce who will replace Matt.
However, the former Little Britain star will still be seen on screen in Bake Off’s forthcoming Christmas specials, which are set to air on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Matt with the team in the Bake Off tent
Matt joined the Bake Off team in 2020, taking over from Noel’s previous co-host Sandi Toksvig.
The pair were brought in to succeed original presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins when the show moved from BBC One to Channel 4 in 2017.
Following Matt’s announcement, judge Prue Leith posted on Twitter: “I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.”
I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent. x Prue https://t.co/aY24n3HtYC
— Prue Leith (@PrueLeith) December 6, 2022
