Why Matt Lucas quit The Great British Bake Off as Alison Hammond takes over

Here’s why Matt Lucas has quit as co-host of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4.

The comedian announced in 2022 he would be stepping down from the hit baking show following its Celebrity Specials earlier this year.

Alison Hammond will join the show this autumn, co-hosting the show with returning presenter Noel Fielding.

Matt told fans why he had decided to leave, putting his exit from the show down to scheduling commitments.

Matt shared in a post on social media: “xxx 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 all the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won! xxx Matt”

Matt has co-hosted the show for the past three years after replacing Sandi Toksvig.

Prior to the move to Channel 4, the Great British Bake Off was hosted by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.

The Great British Bake Off will return with its fourteenth series on Tuesday, 26 September on Channel 4.

Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood will be back as judges with the first episode featuring Cake Week.

In the signature the contestants are challenged to produce the perfect vertical layer cake. Next, under the fabled gingham cloth are the ingredients for the first technical, an iconic chocolate cake that should be very familiar. Finally, a sponge showstopper features a menagerie of animals, giving the bakers a chance to express their architectural skills