Matt Lucas will replace Sandi Toksvig on The Great British Bake Off.
The former Little Britain star has been confirmed as the new co-host for Channel 4’s baking competition alongside Noel Fielding, while Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood will be back as judges.
In a statement, Matt said: “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.
Read more: Viewers brand Britain’s Best Home Cook ‘GBBO rip-off’ as BBC show returns
“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!”
The 46-year-old actor’s appointment has gone down very well with his new co-stars, with Noel comparing their pairing to clay stop-motion duo Chas and Morph.
I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television.
Noel 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.”
Bake Off mainstay Paul added: “I’m a genuine fan of Matt’s, it is such great news he will be joining us in the tent, he’s a fantastic addition to the team.”
On your marks, get set… say hello to the newest member of the Bake Off team – @RealMattLucas! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/MN6lDox94t
— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) March 11, 2020
And his fellow judge Prue joked the team might struggle to get any work done thanks to the new presenting team.
She commented: “The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding! Will we stop laughing and get any filming done?”
Channel 4 are also excited to have Matt on board.
The network’s director of programmes, Ian Katz, said: “We’re thrilled that one much loved national institution is joining another.
“Matt has everything it takes to be a great Bake Off presenter: he’s warm, hilarious and loves cake.”
mood : pic.twitter.com/P15F164n47
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) March 11, 2020
Read more: Candice Brown ‘tipped to replace Sandi Toksvig’ on Great British Bake Off
Fans were thrilled by the news with one person tweeting: “You’ll be BRILLIANT. What a superb choice.”
Another wrote: “Wow!!!! AMAZING! Congratulations,” while a third added: “Hurray, well done, so glad to see you will be back on the telly. Have fun!”
However, others weren’t keen on him joining the show.
One said: “I’m trying to do this thing where, if I don’t like something, I won’t comment on it. But I’m drawing the line at Matt Lucas hosting Bake Off.”
Another wrote: “Don’t know if I will watch this anymore.”
https://twitter.com/staysickcrybaby/status/1237696137047560193
Don’t know if I will watch this anymore 🙁
— Jonathan Powell (@jpowell100) March 11, 2020
A third tweeted: “Whaaaaaaaaaat?!?! Matt Lucas isn’t remotely interesting, funny and his voice is super annoying. Not a great choice tbf.”
Whaaaaaaaaaat?!?! Matt Lucas isn’t remotely interesting, funny and his voice is super annoying. Not a great choice tbf
— Malone (@the_realmalone) March 11, 2020
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