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:
Stacey Solomon’s Crafty Christmas
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Air date: 14th December (8pm)
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Deal or No Deal Christmas Special
Former footballer Michael Owen joins Stephen Mulhern for a festive edition of Deal or No Deal. Michael will be hoping to win money for his chosen charity!
Air date: Sunday 17th December (7pm)
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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: 18th-22nd December
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The Hairy Bikers Coming Home for Christmas
To thank all of those who've helped Dave through his recent illness, The Hairy Bikers are back on the road, searching for wonderful seasonal ingredients to create a festive banquet.
Air date: 19th December (9pm)
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Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off
John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back as Mel Blatt, Richard Blackwood, Duncan James and Faye Winter compete to be crowned 2023 MasterChef Christmas Champion.
Air date: 20th December (9pm)
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Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas Special
The lovely Nigella Lawson is back with a Christmas special this year as she visits Christmas fairs, artisan food shops and some of her favourite spots in Amsterdam.
Air date: 21st December (8pm)
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The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special 2023
Toyah Willcox, Kerry Godliman, Jessica Knappett and Hammed Animashaun will take part in the 2023 Christmas special of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Air date: 21st December (9pm)
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The Hit List Christmas Special
Rochelle and Marvin Humes are back for a Christmas special of their popular show The Hit List. George Shelley, Kimberly Wyatt, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Marvin Humes, Kitty Scott-Claus, Kate Thornton and Gregg Wallace will take part.
Air date: Saturday 23rd December (6pm)
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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: Saturday 23rd December (8:10pm)
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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: Saturday 23rd December (9pm)
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Britain Get Singing
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The Repair Shop Christmas 2023
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Beyond Paradise
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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. George, Sophie, Dan, Amelia, Linda and Carole will all return.
Air date: Christmas Eve (8pm)
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Gogglebox - Best of series 22
Channel 4 are showing a round-up of the best moments from series 22 of Gogglebox, featuring cast members such as Giles and Mary, The Malones, and Ellie and Izzy.
Air date: Christmas Eve (9.35pm)
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Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special
Dan Snow, Sally Nugent, Jamie Borthwick, Tilly Amartey, Danny Cipriani, and Keisha Buchanan will take part in the 2023 Strictly Christmas special.
Air date: Christmas Day (4.40pm)
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Doctor Who Christmas Special
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Michael McIntyre's Christmas Wheel
A Christmas special for Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, featuring some very famous stars!
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The Masked Singer Christmas Special
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Ghosts Christmas Special
Following its fifth and final series, it's been confirmed there will be a Christmas special of sitcom Ghosts.
Air date: Christmas Day (7.45pm)
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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.
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The Great Pottery Throw Down 2023
Hugh Dennis, Alice Levine, Joe Swash and Sophie Duker will take part in this year's festive special of The Great Pottery Throw Down.
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Call the Midwife
As Poplar prepares for Christmas, Sister Monica Joan fears this could be her last. Dr Turner and the midwives deal with a complicated multiple birth, and Cyril helps a war veteran.
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Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas - Mammy’s Mare
In this year's Christmas special, Cathy's decides to cook Christmas dinner for the first time ever, a sentimental decoration has gone missing and there's a surprise dinner guest!
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The Piano: Christmas Special
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Vera Christmas Special
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Top Of The Pops: Review Of 2023
Clara Amfo hosts the review of the biggest hits of 2023.
Air date: 28th December (6.30pm)
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The Last Leg Of The Year
Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker are joined by special guests as they present The Last Leg of the Year for 2023!
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The Great New Year Bake Off
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Air date: New Year's Day (7.45pm)
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Gogglebox: Festive Special
The Gogglebox gang are back for a festive special at the start of 2024, reviewing the biggest shows over the festive period.
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Channel 4: Channel 4
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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