It came as something of a curveball when Matt Lucas was announced as the new co-host of the Great British Bake Off.
Of all the possible named mooted to replace outgoing presenter Sandi Toksvig, the Little Britain comic wasn’t among them.
However, when you think about it, his appointment makes a lot of sense as he famously played a cake-loving character on the hit BBC sketch show, which ran from 2003 to 2007.
For those who’ve forgotten, Marjorie Dawes was the sadistic leader of weight loss group Fat Fighters, who used to taunt her members, often using baked goods.
After the news that Matt would be joining Noel Fielding, Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the tent on the Channel 4 show, many people on Twitter were rushing to make the same joke...
Matt himself even teased fans with the idea he could host as Marjorie, tweeting a picture of himself in character shortly after the news was announced:
Of his new role, 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!”
Bake Off bosses have also given fans a peek of what to expect from Matt and Noel’s new partnership with a specially recorded video that the show posted on Twitter.
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.”
Matt will be seen on screen when the regular series of Bake Off returns in August.
