‘Little Britain’ Star Matt Lucas Is the New ‘Great British Bake Off’ Co-Presenter

GBBO has its new presenter: Matt Lucas, the comedian who rose to prominence as a drum-playing infantile scoremaster in Shooting Stars with Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, and Ulrika Jonsson in the 90s, and who co-created the satirical sketch show Little Britain, has been named as the new co-host for the Great British Bake Off. Lucas replaces Sandi Toksvig, who stepped down in January.

In a statement, reported by BBC News, Lucas said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television.” Lucas said.

“I can’t wait to break bread with Noel [Fielding], Prue [Leith] and Paul [Hollywood] and meet the brilliant bakers.”

His co-host, Fielding said: “I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile.”

While Channel 4 director of programmes Ian Katz said it was a union of national institutions which shared a love of cake: “We’re thrilled that one much-loved national institution is joining another,” he said. “Matt has everything it takes to be a great Bake Off presenter — he’s warm, hilarious and loves cake.”

Lucas tweeted a photograph of his Little Britain character Marjorie Dawes, the menacing leader of the weight loss club “Fatfighters” presenting a tray of cherry bakewells. He called it a “mood.”

Lucas will join the crew and contestants when the 11th series of the wildly popular baking show kicks off this spring on Channel 4. Almost 10 million people watched the 2019 final.