Matt Lucas

10 things you might not know about The Great British Bake Off

Each series sees twelve amateur bakers attempt to out-bake their opponents and impress judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, with encouragement (/harassment) from the comedians presenting, currently Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas.

With one of the highest average audiences of any programme in the UK (in 2016, nine of the top ten most-watched programmes of the year were episodes of the show), Bake Off has become a Great British institution.

The Great British Bake Off 2020: Meet the Bakers

(credit: Channel 4)

Not even coronavirus could threaten the unflappable national institution of The Great British Bake Off, which has been filmed following strict Covid-19 protocol with the twelve bakers entering an isolation bubble.

Professional cooks Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith return to judge the competition in the iconic Bake Off tent, with 30 brand new challenges for the bakers to tackle.

Comedian Matt Lucas joins the hosting team alongside Noel Fielding, following Sandi Toksvig’s departure from the show.

Matt Lucas and Mo Gilligan to front Channel 4’s new entertainment commissions

Mo Gilligan and Matt Lucas (credit: Channel 4)

Reasons to be Cheerful with Matt Lucas

Having already cheered up millions with his viral Thank You Baked Potato video in support of Feed NHS, Matt Lucas is going to front this new comedy entertainment show written by Harry Hill.

The series will see the comedic minds of Lucas and Harry Hill combine to bring viewers brand new sketches, upbeat homemade skits and an opportunity to showcase members of the public and their pets alongside celebrities, all from their own homes.

The Great British Bake Off announces new host

Lucas will be joining Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the tent for the eleventh series.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can’t wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers.

“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation.”