THE GREAT LITTLE BRITAIN BAKE OFF
Comedian Matt joins Noel as host after Sandi leaves
MATT Lucas is the new host of The Great British Bake Off – making it an allmale presenting line-up for the first time.
The comedian, 46, replaces Sandi Toksvig and will co-host alongside Noel Fielding on the Channel 4 programme.
The former Little Britain star will join the show for its 11th series which starts filming in the spring.
Lucas 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.’
Speaking about his new partnership Fielding, also 46, said: ‘I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile.’
Miss Toksvig, 61, announced her departure from the show in January saying she wanted to focus on other projects. She had presented the programme with Fielding since it moved from the BBC in 2017.
Lucas beat bookmakers’ favourites Jo Brand, 2015 Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain, ex-contestant
Liam Charles and comedian Sarah Millican to replace Miss Toksvig.
Judge Paul Hollywood, 54, said: ‘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.’
Co- judge Prue Leith, 80, said: ‘ The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding – will we stop laughing and get any filming done?’
Channel 4 will hope Lucas can boost viewing numbers, which have halved since 2015. Just 6.8million people watched last year’s final compared to 13.4million who saw Mrs Hussain win in 2015.