Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas has hit back at claims judge Paul Hollywood showed him 'favouritism' whilst competing in the tent on the latest episode. The comedian who usually hosts the Channel 4 show alongside The Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding, had to switch roles from presenter to contestant on Tuesday night's The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer after a celeb dropped out at the last minute.
The Little Britain star stepped up to the challenge and took one for the team as he joined former Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, comedian Ed Gamble and rapper Example in the tent as a competitor in a Bake Off first. He received a helping hand from co-star and judge Paul with kneading his dough and later received a Hollywood Handshake for his Arsenal-inspired glass window biscuits despite fellow judge Prue trying to bat away Paul's hand.
Many praised the TV presenter for stepping in at such short notice and commented how well he had done. Melanie Jeffery tweeted: "Matt you’re a super trooper to step in at the last minute with no practice, I think you did brilliantly. Well done sir" and Nic Boothby added: "You did great Matt!". "Matt did a wonderful job. Respect." Lynne Powell tweeted.
But some viewers were quick to take part in a Twitter poll which asked whether or not the handshake counted with 60 per cent of voters saying no. Accusations of 'favouritism' were also mentioned.
But Matt tweeted to his 1.2 million followers after the episode aired and seemed to laugh off the claims: "Say what you like. I don’t care," the 48-year-old tweeted: "I got a Hollywood Handshake and I won the Technical. Plus I know where they keep the Star Baker aprons so I’m going to take one anyway. Plus I’m an icon and a national treasure."
Despite bagging a Hollywood Handshake and coming first in the technical, it was musician Example who took home the Star Baker trophy after wowing judges with his Australian Landscape Showstopper.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer continues on Tuesday, April 12 from 8pm on Channel 4 and All 4.
