'I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else'

Matt Lucas is standing down as host of the Great British Bake Off after three series.

The comic said his time in the tent  had been a ‘delicious experience’ but wanted to focus on other projects such as Sky’s Fantasy Football League.

In a statement, he said: ‘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.

‘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!

Co-host ‘Noelipops’ Fielding replied: ‘I will miss your big smile and your sense of fun and silliness. I will miss our writing days in that ridiculous room with the high ceilings and I will miss us giggling like naughty schoolboys when Paul [Hollywood] says 'eggy' in his Scouse accent.

‘You were so lovely to work with and so kind to the bakers. Have fun on your next adventure.’

Show judge Hollywood said ‘you will be missed  … you’ve been awesome xxwished Lucas luck, while fellow judge Dame Prue Leith thanked Lucas for ‘bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.’

The 13th series of Bake Off ended last month, with its finale attracting about 5.2 million viewers.

Published: 7 Dec 2022