Matt Lucas revealed real reason he left Bake Off

It’s only been seven years since the Great British Bake Off moved to its new home on Channel 4, but in that time we’ve seen A LOT of change to the lineup.

Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins decided not to make the leap over to the new network, meaning they were replaced by a new double act in the form of Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.

However, after just three seasons, Toksvig also decided to call it quits, saying in a recent interview that her time on the show had been ‘three of the longest years of [her] life’.

“It’s not for me,” she told The Times.

“I walked away from the biggest paycheque of my life, but that’s fine. I’d never watched it. I still haven’t watched it. I didn’t understand it. Cakes are readily available in the shops. I didn’t enjoy the process.”

Sandi Toksvig recently spoke out about her decision to leave - and didn't hold back (Channel 4)

Toksvig also revealed that, while she was still close to judge Prue Leith, she wasn’t in touch with Fielding or Paul Hollywood.

Comedian Matt Lucas was the next person to fill the gap, taking over from Toksvig to take the show through the Covid years.

However, he also called it a day after just three seasons, saying in 2022 that he had to ‘pass on the baguette’ to another person.

Explaining his decision to leave, Lucas admitted he could no longer juggle the role alongside other jobs.

He said in a statement: "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.

Matt Lucas left the show after three series (Channel 4)

"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!"

Now, of course, Fielding presents alongside This Morning legend Alison Hammond, who is in her second series - and has already won over viewers.