Matt Lucas Joins ‘The Great British Bake Off’ As New Co-Host
Matt Lucas has landed a coveted new job, replacing Sandi Toksvig as co-host of ‘The Great British Bake Off‘ Channel 4 has announced. The actor, writer and comedian Matt Lucas will be joining Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the Bake Off tent.
“I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television,” commented Lucas. “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!”
Lucas is, of course, best known for his work on ‘Shooting Stars’, ‘Little Britain’, and playing Nardole in ‘Doctor Who’ amongst many, many, other roles. More recently, he has been treading the boards as Thénardier in ‘Les Misérables’ in the West End.
“I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile,” comments co-host Noel Fielding. “I think if we play our cards right we could become the next Chas and Morph.”
In May last year, Channel 4 signed a deal with creators Love Productions to keep the baking show on the network up until Season 12 in 2021. However, Sandi Toksvig announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the series. Lucas will follow in the footsteps of Toksvig and Mel & Sue, who quit the show when it moved from BBC to Channel 4.
“It’s extremely exciting to have Matt joining the Bake Off family, he’s a phenomenal talent with a huge heart and we can’t wait to enjoy the mischief and mayhem he and Noel will inevitably create in the tent,” adds Richard McKerrow, CEO and Executive Producer, Love Productions. “Our new batch of bakers will be in very safe hands.”
Last night ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer’ returned to Channel 4, landing an average of 3.3 mil viewers, with a 17.4% share and up +53% on the slot average. The show attracted the largest share of 16-34-year-olds (33.8%) from 8–9.15pm.
Filming for ‘The Great British Bake Off‘ Season 11 Season begins in Spring 2020.
