Read to find out why the popular co-host of Bake Off is leaving.
The fan-favorite host of Great British Bake Off, Matt Lucas, has announced that he can no longer co-host the show. This announcement comes as a surprise because there were no prior indications or conflicts that might've pushed this decision.
That being said, what exactly is the reason for quitting the show where he has established himself as a staple?
A standout presence
The list of talents that Matt maintains is an impressive one. He is a comedian, actor, screenwriter and singer, and throughout his career he has used these talents in various forms to build a presence and capture the interests of the audience, which is what essentially makes him a good screen presence.
Through that line, he joined the long-running The Great British Bake Off in 2020 and has established himself as a standout presence in the show alongside the comedian Noel Fielding, reports Collider.
Matt and Fielding often used their humor to bring down tense moments and provide emotional support during baking mishaps, and their comedic chemistry added a great bit of diversity to the show.
What else has he done?
Although Matt is recently known for his stint through Bake Off, there are many other notable ventures under his belt. He is mostly known through his work on the TV show Little Britain that ran from 2003 to 2007, reports The Sun.
His work with David Walliams put him on the map, establishing himself as a competent comedian. He has also worked with David on the mockumentary TV series Come Fly With Me.
Matt has also made various film apperances, most notably in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and the sequel where he played Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. He also acted as Rebel Wilson's flatmate in the US romatic comedy film Bridesmaids.
Bidding adieu
Yesterday, Matt published an announcement on all his social media handles noting that he can't present Bake Off anymore, because recently he started co-hosting for the reboot of Fantasy Football League, and presenting both at the time is impossible for the comedian.
He said:
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.
Referring to his co-hosts and judges and crew members, he added:
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 their tent.
The official Twitter handle of Bake off gave a response to Matt noting that '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.'
It is currently unknown who will replace Matt, but with the fan-following he had with context to the show, it would certainly be difficult to find a replacement that would maintain the same kind of dynamic with his co-hosts and judges.
Read more:
⋙ Dame Prue Leith addresses the recent Bake Off controversy
⋙ These are the rules The Great British Bake Off contestants have to follow
⋙ Matt Hancock paid £45,000 for Celebrity: SAS Who Dares Wins appearance
