Matt Lucas has announced he is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three series. The comedian has co-hosted the Channel 4 show alongside Noel Fielding since 2020 but has now announced his time on the show is over after 51 episodes in an emotional post.
In a statement on Tuesday, Matt said he will be stepping away from Bake Off due to his busy schedule, saying he wouldn't have the time to host it alongside his work on Fantasy Football League.
He said he would be 'cheerfully passing the baguette' onto someone else and went on to thank Channel 4 and production in his statement on Twitter.
He wrote: "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.
"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!"
The official account for the show went on to thank him for his 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 supporting the bakers. It's been a pleasure - thanks Matt."
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