Matt Lucas QUITS as presenter of The Great British Bake Off
He's released an emotional statement
Three years after he joined, comedian Matt Lucas has revealed he's quit his presenting role on hit Channel 4 show The Great British Bake Off.
Matt, who co-hosted GBBO alongside Noel Fielding, took to social media to share an emotional statement to say farewell to the show, admitting he's too busy with other work commitments.
The 48-year-old told fans: '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.' (sic)
Matt went on to thank his Bake Off co-host and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, saying: '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!' (sic)
Co-host Noel was quick to express his sadness at the news, writing: '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 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.'
Bake Off bosses also paid tribute to Matt's time on the show, writing: 'We've loved having Matt Lucas brighten up our Tent for the last three years, especially when laughter and smiles were so much in need. We appreciate everything he's done for Bake Off, from working in covid bubbles to being a constant source of support for the bakers. It's been an absolute pleasure - thank you @realmattlucas. ❤️'. (sic)
At the time of publication, Channel 4 are yet to confirm who will replace Matt.
When the show aired on BBC One, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins hosted the show for a massive seven series, before Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig took over for the move to Channel 4.
After Sandi's exit, Matt then took over for series 11, 12 and 13.
Check out the best Christmas TV specials this December:
Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide with Josie Gibson
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Air date: 9th December (8pm)
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Richard Osman's Festive House of Games
Richard Osman hosts a week of festive special of hit game show House of Games.
Air date: 9th-13th December
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Bargain Hunt Christmas Special
The Bargain Hunt team will take part in a special festive episode this year.
Air date: 16th December (12.15pm)
Channel: BBC
The Young Offenders Christmas special
Conor and Jock set off on a chaotic adventure to give Mairead, who has been ill in hospital, the white Christmas she has always dreamed of.
Air date: 16th December (9pm)
Channel: BBC Three and BBC iPlayer
Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas
Stacey Solomon is back this year with a little help from her family! Stacey shows us crafty ways to create beautiful decorations and gifts that are sure to spread some home-made cheer this Christmas time.
Air date: 18th December (9pm)
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The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special
As well as being renewed for two more series, Channel 5 bosses have confirmed that drama series The Good Ship Murder will have a Christmas special this year. Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward will reprise their roles as First Officer Kate Woods and Jack Grayling.
Air date: 18th December (9pm)
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The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special 2024
Ian "H" Watkins, EastEnder Kellie Bright, comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri and TV personality Charlotte Crosby put their sewing skills to the test in this year's Christmas special.
Air date: 19th December (9pm)
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For the Love of Dogs Christmas Special
Ahead of the new series in 2025, Alison Hammond returns to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for a heartwarming Christmas special this year.
Air date: 19th December (8.30pm)
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Casualty Christmas special
Ahead of the new series starting later in December, the cast of Casualty have filmed an emotional Christmas episode which is called All I Want for Christmas.
Air date: 21st December (9.15pm)
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Antiques Roadshow at Christmas
The Antiques Roadshow marks the festive season with a look back at some of the year's highlights and updates about items that have appeared on the series.
Air date: 22nd December (7.30pm)
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Would I Lie to You? at Christmas
Laura Smyth, David Mitchell, Jimmy Carr, Rob Brydon, Lee Mack, Lenny Rush and Rustie Lee take part in the 2024 Would I Lie to You? Christmas special.
Air date: 23rd December (7pm)
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Royal Carols : Together At Christmas
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside other members of the Royal Family, attend a carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Air date: 24th December (7.30pm)
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The Great Christmas Bake Off
Just like past years, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood are back in the Bake Off tent for this year's Christmas special, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. This year, soap stars Dean Gaffney, Sheree Murphy, Shobna Gulati MBE, Natalie Cassidy and Chris Bisson will take part.
Air date: 24th December (8pm)
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Gogglebox - Best of 2024
Channel 4 are showing a round-up of the best moments from Gogglebox 2024, featuring cast members such as Giles and Mary, The Malones, and Ellie and Izzy.
Air date: 24th December (9.15pm)
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The Weakest Link Christmas Special
Romesh Ranganathan hosts as a number of celebs try to win money for charity on The Weakest Link's Christmas special.
Air date: 25th December (3.15pm)
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Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Comedian Josh Widdicombe, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Tayce, presenter Vogue Williams, Gladiator Nitro, actress Tamzin Outhwaite and motor racing driver Billy Monger will take part in the 2024 Christmas special.
Air date: 25th December (3.55pm)
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Doctor Who: Joy to the World
Following on from last year's Christmas special, Ncuti Gatwa returns as Doctor Who, with actress Nicola Coughlan joining the cast as Joy.
Air date: 25th December (5.10pm)
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The Piano: Christmas Special
Claudia Winkleman, Mika and Lang Lang kickstart the festive season with an array of live music performances and treats inside Turbine Hall for The Piano Christmas special.
Air date: 25th December (5.10pm)
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Call the Midwife
Unlike previous years, this year's Call the Midwife Christmas special will be split into two parts! The 2024 special consists of two 60-minute episodes – complete with a Christmas cliffhanger!
Air date: (Part One) 25th December (7.55pm) and (Part Two) 26th December (8.15pm)
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Gavin and Stacey
Five years after THAT cliffhanger on the last Christmas special, the Gavin and Stacey gang are back for the final ever episode of the sitcom this year! Will we finally get answers about Smithy and Nessa?!
Air date: 25th December (9pm)
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Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas
Despite the show's controversy over the years, Mrs. Brown's Boys has become somewhat of staple on Christmas Day! The show is back for a Christmas and New Year's special in 2024.
Air date: 25th December (11.05pm)
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Blankety Blank Christmas Special
Bradley Walsh is back with a Christmas special of Saturday night entertainment show Blankety Blank.
Air date: 26th December (7.35pm)
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Outnumbered
Gavin and Stacey isn't the only show getting a revival this Christmas, sitcom Outnumbered is also making a return to our screens, featuring all of the original cast!
Air date: 26th December (9.15pm)
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The Masked Singer Christmas Special
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders join Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, and Davina McCall on The Masked Singer panel for the 2024 Christmas special. This year's characters include Star, Turkey Crown, Nutcracker, and Christmas Cracker.
Air date: 26th December (7.30pm)
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The 1% Club Christmas Special
Lee Mack hosts a festive special of the quiz with all the Christmas themed questions! 100 contestants hope to make the holiday season even more special by winning up to £100,000.
Air date: 26th December (9pm)
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The Repair Shop Christmas
The team are back for another Christmas special this year
Air date: 27th December (1.25pm)
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Beyond Paradise Christmas special
It wouldn't be Christmas without a Beyond Paradise Christmas special!
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Wheel of Fortune Christmas Special
Ahead of the new series, Graham Norton will host a Christmas special episode of gameshow Wheel of Fortune.
Air date: 28th December (7pm)
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The Split Barcelona
Popular BBC drama The Split will return this Christmas for a two-part special, set out in Barcelona. Set two years on from series three, the show will see the likes of Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Fiona Button, Annabel Scholey and Deborah Findlay all feature.
Air date: 29th and 30th December (9pm)
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Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Celebrity Special
Jeremy Clarkson will welcome a number of celebrity guests for this year's Who Wants to be a Millionaire? special.
Air date: 29th December (8pm)
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Vera series 14
Brenda Blethyn is back as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope for the final time as Vera series 14 airs this Christmas.
Air date: 1st and 2nd January (8pm)
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Gladiators: Celebrity Special
Ahead of the new series in early 2025, there will be a celebrity special of Gladiators airing this Christmas! Rob Beckett, Joel Dommett, Ellie Taylor and Louise Minchin will take part.
Air date: 1st January (6pm)
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The Great New Year Bake Off
Returning bakers from past series of Bake Off will appear on this year's New Year Bake Off, including Kevin, Norman, Nicky, James, Lea and Peter.
Air date: 3rd January (7.40pm)
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It's understood Matt has already filmed The Great British Bake Off Christmas special, which is due to air in the coming weeks.
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