'Great British Bake Off' Signs Up Matt Lucas To Replace Sandi Toksvig

The Great British Bake Off has officially cast Matt Lucas to replace Sandi Toksvig as the host of the next series.

Sandi broke hearts all over the country when she announced she was leaving the show following this year's Celebrity Bake Off to focus on "new projects".

But Little Britain creator Matt has now been lined up to front the Channel 4 programme alongside Noel Fielding, who has officially been confirmed to return.

Speaking about the exciting new gig, Matt said: "I'm chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television.

"I can't wait to break bread with Noel, Prue [Leith] and Paul [Hollywood] 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!"

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Sharing a picture of his famous Weight Watchers character from Little Britain with a tray of iced buns in hand on Twitter, he simply wrote: "Mood".

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."

While Paul chipped in: "I'm a genuine fan of Matt's, it is such great news he will be joining us in the tent, he's a fantastic addition to the team."

Prue added: "The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding! Will we stop laughing and get any filming done?"

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Matt will no doubt do an incredible job of filling Sandi shoes, given that when it comes to the show's cheeky innuendos and quirky quips, he's already a certified pro.

We hope he doesn't offer anybody any recipe suggestions, though, because it'll likely just be: "Dust... anybody? No?"

On his signing, Richard McKerrow, CEO and Executive Producer of Love Productions said: "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. Our new batch of bakers will be in very safe hands."

While Channel 4's Director of Programmes, Ian Katz, said: "We're thrilled that one much loved national institution is joining another. Matt has everything it takes to be a great Bake Off presenter: he's warm, hilarious and loves cake."

Filming for the eleventh series of The Great British Bake Off begins this spring.

We're already so excited to see Matt in action.

Topics: Great British Bake Off

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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