Matt Lucas just announced he is stepping down as co-host from his presenting role on The Great British Bake Off.
The 48 year old comedian, who has been making viewers laugh for the last three years with fellow funny man Noel Fielding, took to Instagram to share the news with his 330K followers on Tuesday.
Explaining his decision, he revealed that he could no longer keep up with the show’s filming schedule, especially alongside his other TV commitments.
“Farewell Bake Off! It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers,” he wrote.
“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.”
So, now that there’s a spare presenting slot just waiting to be filled (no pun intended), who’s in the running to be the new Matt?
According to reports, there are a few British presenting favourites who could be up for the job.
As it stands, Richard Ayoade, actor and fellow comedian is currently a 7/2 favourite to replace the Dr Who star.
Former Great British Sewing Bee presenter Joe Lycett is next at 9/2 to step into Lucas’ shoes, with 2015 winner Nadiya Hussain following in third place at 7/1.
Bets are also being placed for the original GBBO presenters, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins to be reinstated, who are currently at 16/1. While James Acaster, stand-up comedian and Great British Bake Off alumni has also been suggested as a favourite at 10/1, Betfair revealed.
Whether he’ll swap the pinny for presenting following his iconic appearance on the celeb version of the show is unknown.
As well as the names above, BetFair also released the rest of the potential candidates who could be in with a shot of spending their summers in the classic Bake Off tent.
With I’m a Celeb favourite and self-confessed "family man" Babatunde Aléshé securing odds of 33/1 and Strictly star Claudia Winkleman coming in at 14/1 here’re the other names that have been circulating the internet:
- Amelia Dimoldenberg 12/1
- Ellie Taylor 14/1
- Judi Love 18/1
- Seann Walsh 20/1
- Matt Berry 10/1
- Tom Allen 20/1
- Rylan Clark Neal 33/1
- Shaparak Khorsandi 25/1
- Sara Pascoe 12/1
Whoever makes the cut to co-host with Noel next season (who said he will “miss [Matt’s] spark in the tent” and “will miss [his] big smile and sense of fun and silliness” on Instagram) we’re sure they’ll provide all the laughs and fun that make the show so special.
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