Matt Lucas has been confirmed as the new host of the Great British Bake Off.
The Little Britain comic will be joining Noel Fielding in the tent as a replacement for outgoing presenter Sandi Toksvig.
Matt said in a statement: “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.
“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!”
Welcoming Matt to the team, 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.”
Judge Paul Hollywood 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.”
Fellow judge Prue Leith also commented: “The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding! Will we stop laughing and get any filming done?”
Bake Off bosses have given fans a peek of what to expect from Matt and Noel’s new partnership with a specially recorded video that the posted on Twitter.
Sandi announced she would be leaving the Bake Off tent in January after three series at the helm.
She and Noel joined the show after it moved to Channel 4 from the BBC in 2017, replacing original hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Explaining her decision to quit, she said at the time: “When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.
“Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.”
Sandi is making her last run of appearances on the show during the current set of Stand Up To Cancer celebrity specials, which began on Tuesday night.
Matt will be seen on screen when the regular series of Bake Off returns in August.
