‘I’ll pass the baguette on to someone else’: Matt Lucas QUITS as host of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ after three series as star admits he ‘can’t go on anymore’
Matt Lucas has announced that he is stepping down from hosting The Great British Bake Off after three series.
The comedian, 48, has co-hosted the Channel 4 show alongside Noel Fielding since 2020 but has decided his time on the program is up.
In a statement, Matt cited his heavy workload as the reason he retired from Bake Off, saying he didn’t have the time to host it alongside his work on the Fantasy Football League.
Farewell: Matt Lucas (centre) has announced he is stepping down as host of The Great British Bake Off after three series
He wrote: “Farewell Bake Off! It was a delicious experience and I can’t think of a more fun way to spend my summers.
“But I’ve realized that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects.
“Well, after three series and 51 episodes, I’m happily passing the baguette on to someone else.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 as well as Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and of course the wonderful bakers for welcoming me to the tent.
“Farewell”: In a statement, Matt cited his heavy workload as the reason he retired from Bake Off
Duo: The comedian, 48, has co-hosted the Channel 4 show alongside Noel Fielding (pictured) since 2020 but has decided his time on the program is up
“I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can’t wait to get ready for the next series without already knowing who won!”
Matt joined the show in Series 11, replacing fellow comedian Sandi Toksvig, who left the program after three seasons.
The comedian was inundated with well wishes from Bake Off fans, who said they would miss him on the show.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “You will be missed Matt. I loved your relationship with Noel and the many laughs in each episode.
Career: Matt said he didn’t have the time to host it alongside his work on the Fantasy Football League (pictured with Elis James)
Another said: “You will be missed my friend! You always brightened my screen when Bake Off was on. Thank you for the memories and good luck in all your future endeavors.’
Another added: “No! You were so great at it. Her chemistry with Noel was brilliant. You are missing.’
Noel Fielding, who joined as co-host when Bake Off moved to Channel 4 in Series 8, will remain with the show alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
During its original broadcast on the BBC, the series was presented by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.