Who will replace Matt Lucas at Bake Off?

Matt Lucas’ time in the tent is over.

That Lesser Britain star announced on Tuesday (6 December) that he was stepping down as one half of Channel 4’s hosting team The Great British Bake Off.

While fans have expressed their sadness at the comedian’s decision to move on, it means the door is open for another host to take on one of television’s most coveted jobs.

Whoever is selected will participate The Mighty Boosh Star Noel Fielding – who has hosted the show since it moved to Channel 4 in 2017 – succeeds his previous co-hosts Sandi Toksvig and Lucas.

Below we’ve rounded up some of the most likely substitutes for Lucas, as well as some who we think have what it takes to get the tent buzzing with delight.

Richard Ayoade

Ayoade is my number one pick for Lucas’ replacement for a number of reasons. He’s mostly hilarious, and his literal, dead-on performance is just the kind of hilarity the bake-off tent calls for. We also know that Ayoade is on good terms with Channel 4, where he hosted nine episodes of the travel documentary series. travel man. What’s more, he already has chemistry with co-host Noel Fielding — the two have starred on Fielding’s series The Mighty Boosh and Ayoades The IT crowd while the duo are also regularly paired for Channel 4 Big Fat Quiz of the Year. – TM

James Acaster

Acaster’s story with baking is well documented. The comedian’s disastrous run in the show’s celebrity spin-off has gone down in history as one of television’s most compelling segments. Who doesn’t want more moments like this? – TM

Claudia Winkelman

Is there a safer pair of hands in the presentation world these days than Claudia Winkleman? Always fun, always easy to get along with, the veteran TV presenter would no doubt do a fine job of taking the reins with Fielding. We know them too Be sure to come dance Tasks where Winkleman can be sensitive when need be, a trait highly stressed bakers often demand of hosts. While Winkleman’s schedule is always stacked, the fact is that baking being filmed in the summer can work in their favour Strict is always shot in the run-up to Christmas. – TM

Matt Berry

Mary Berry’s tenure on Bake Off may have ended when the series migrated to Channel 4 in 2016, but there’s more than one Berry in town. Toast of London star Matt Berry could be the perfect replacement for Lucas – just imagine his sharp, distinctive voice roaring how much time is left for a baking task. With Berry already juggling a number of different TV projects – including the acclaimed vampire sitcom What We Do in the Shadows – a stint on Bake Off might be too much to ask. – LS

Shaparak Khorsandi

Comedian and writer Shaparak Khorsandi would certainly be a welcome choice to replace Lucas as Bake Off’s next host. As an award-winning stand-up performer, Khorsandi (formerly known as Shappi) has more than enough comic flair to compete with Fielding. The one-time I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here contestant is also a noted fan of the baking show, having previously appeared in the spin-off series The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. – LS

Sara Pascoe

Stand-up comedian and frequent panel show guest Sara Pascoe would be another strong comic contender to fill Lucas’ footsteps. Like Khorsandi, she was previously a guest on An Extra Slice. However, she currently serves as the presenter of Bake Off’s sister series The Great British Sewing Bee. It might just make her doubly qualified for the job – but it could mean she has enough quirky British hobby competitions on her plate already. – LS