Real reason Matt Lucas left the Great British Bake Off revealed – and where is he now?

Matt Lucas waved goodbye to the Great British Bake Off in December, after three series and 51 episodes in the hit show. Returning for its 14th season this year, 12 budding bakers will see Alison Hammond take the reins, with fan favorite Noel Fielding returning as co-host. But, after an incredible two years on the show, why has comedian Matt decided to hang up his apron? Here’s what we know about his departure, plus find out what he’s up to now…

WATCH: Matt Lucas spoofs Boris Johnson in hilarious Bake Off opener

Why did Matt Lucas leave the Great British Bake Off?

In December 2022, Matt announced that he would be leaving The Great British Bake Off. On Instagram, the 49-year-old wrote: “Farewell Bake Off! It was a delicious experience and I can’t think of a more fun way to spend the summer. But it became clear to me that I couldn’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off with all my other projects. So that after three series and 51 episodes I am happily passing the baguette to someone else.

© Channel 4 / Love ProductionsMatt announced his retirement from the series last year

“I would like to express my warmest gratitude and thanks 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 marquee. I would love whoever takes over the best and I can’t wait to get involved in the next series without knowing who won!”

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Following the news, Noel Fielding wrote a sweet tribute to his former co-star in the comments. “Totally respect your decision Matt! But I’ll miss your spark in the marquee and I’ll miss you directing other characters at the drop of a hat like your brilliant Boris Johnson,” he replied.

© Channel 4 Noel Fielding was sad to say goodbye to his colleague Matt

“I’ll miss your big smile and your sense of fun and goofiness. I’ll miss our writing days in that funny high-ceilinged room and we’ll miss giggling like naughty schoolboys when Paul says ‘Eggy’ in his Scouse accent. Any you are so nice to work with and you are so kind to bakers have fun on your next adventure and remember “It’s all about the show stopper” xxx It was a pleasure working with such a wonderful comedic talent and a lovely man to begin with xx Enjoy your next adventures as a friend and fan x”

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While Matt cited a heavy workload as his reason for leaving, a month later he revealed there was more to the story, revealing that his decision to leave was also inspired by his good friend and frequent collaborator David Walliams.

© GettyMatt later revealed that he and David Walliams were working together on a new project

During an appearance on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show in January 2023, Matt revealed that he and David had reunited, prompting him to leave the Bake Off. “Me and David Walliams started writing together again. We just thought it was time so we quit and decided to do it,” he said.

“It’s going to be a show where we’re going to play a lot of characters,” Matt added. “But we have to write a treatment for it and we have to present it and see if anybody wants to make it. But if anybody wants to make it, we’ll be delighted to do it.”

The Great British Bake Off: all the winners so far

© Channel 4Prue Leith, Noel Fielding, Alison Hammond and Paul Hollywood on Bake Off

Series 1: Edd Kimber

Series 2: Joanne Wheatley

Series 3: John Whaite

Series 4: Frances Quinn

Series 5: Nancy Birtwhistle

Series 6: Nadiya Hussain

Series 7: Candice Brown

Series 8: Sophie Faldo

Series 9: Rahul Mandal

Series 10: David Atherton

Series 11: Peter Sawkins

Series 12: Giuseppe Dell’Anno

What is Matt Lucas up to now?

It’s been a busy few months for Matt as he prepares to publish his debut novel, The boy who slept through Christmas September 28. And in the meantime, he is also recording his own music that will accompany the book.

As for his collaboration with David Walliams, while the pair have yet to give an update on the sketch show Matt mentioned in January, they’ve been pictured together a lot on Instagram lately, and were spotted at a PetShop Boys concert in June. with Little Britain stars have been spending a lot of time together lately, we wouldn’t be surprised if they announce their next collaboration in the coming months. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see!

Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education