Noel Fielding will miss 'lovely man' Matt Lucas after host quits Bake Off
Noel Fielding has confessed he will miss his 'good friend' and 'lovely man' Matt Lucas after the comedian announced his quitting The Great British Bake Off.
The Little Britain star joined the Mighty Boosh comic in 2020 to co-host the baking contest on Channel 4 after Sandi Toksvig stepped down.
Fielding, 49, said in a gushing tribute: "Totally respect your decision matt ! But I will miss your spark in the tent and I will miss you channeling other characters at the drop of a hat like your brilliant Boris Johnson.
Read more: Sandi Toksvig confirms she's out of hospital and thanks fans for support
"I will miss your big smile and your sense of fun and silliness. I will miss our writing days in that ridiculous room with the high ceilings and I will miss us giggling like naughty school boys when Paul say “Eggy “ in his Scouse accent.
"You were so lovely to work with and so kind to the bakers... Look forward to your next adventures as a friend and a fan."
He added: "Farewell buddy thank you for 3 amazing years... i will miss your upbeat nature and positive vibes. You are a huge comic talent but also a lovely man and a good friend.
"See you in the real world soon buddy."
After three years working on Bake Off, Lucas, 48, announced on social media: “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!"
Dame Prue Leith said: "I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent."
Fellow judge Paul Hollywood added: "I’m going to miss you Matt, and so will the bakers..."
Former Bake Off contestants also flocked to pay tribute to Lucas as a comedian and presenter.
Kim-Joy Hewlett – who was a runner-up in 2018 and won the 2022 New Year special – said: "I loved having you around on the new year episode! You put me at ease! You will be missed on bake off Enjoy all your new adventures, I’m sure it will all be great. Maybe I’ll have to start watching the fantasy football."
Bake Off 2020 champion Peter Sawkins wrote: "Thank you Matt! Loved sharing my time in the tent with you."
And 2020 runner-up Laura Adlington commented: "Enjoy your new adventures Matt! I’ll always be thankful for meeting you and grateful for the laughs. Lots and lots of love"
Fielding took over as host with Toksvig when the show moved to Channel 4 in 2017 after seven series on the BBC, hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Read more: The Great British Bake Off winners: Who are they and where are they now?
Hollywood remained a Bake Off judge and was joined by food writer Leith, as cook Dame Mary Berry chose to remain at the BBC.
Watch: Bake Off contestant shocks viewers with avocado peeling technique
