Matt Lucas leaves 'The Great British Bake Off' after 3 seasons as host

"Bake Off" loses one of the ingredients in its recipe. Matt Lucas, who hosted the British baking competition series for three series, announced on December 6 that the recently concluded 13th series would be his last.

"Farewell, cook!" Lucas said in a statement posted to . "It was a delightful experience and I can't imagine a funnier way to spend 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. After three series and 51 episodes, I am happily passing the baton to someone else."

Best known for creating the BBC comedy series 'Little Britain', Lucas has joined the show as co-host Noel Fielding for its 11th series, following the departure of Sandi Toksvig. Fielding and Toksvig took over hosting duties for the popular wholesome competition series during series 8, following the departure of initial hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc following the show's move from the BBC to Channel 4. The he show, produced by Love Productions, is judged by Paul Hollywood. and Prue Leith, the latter having taken over from initial host Mary Berry after the network change.

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“I would like to extend my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the team and of course the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent," Lucas wrote in his statement. "I wish good luck to whoever takes over and I can't wait to watch the next series without knowing who won!"

'The Great British Bake Off' (marketed as 'The Great British Baking Show' on Netflix, where it is distributed internationally) sees a group of amateur bakers compete in a series of challenges thematic, with the loser of each round eliminated. The final sees the winner selected from a trio of finalists. The series is hugely popular both domestically and internationally, with the 11th series in 2020 receiving the highest ratings for Channel 4 in 35 years.

Despite its popularity, its later episodes were criticized for their cultural insensitivity, particularly during themed weeks centered on Japanese and Mexican baking, which many saw as misrepresenting the culinary traditions of both countries. Lucas also faced criticism during his time as host, including for a skit during Mexican week where he wore a sombrero and poncho, and an incident in German week of series 12 where he is mocked with a German accent.

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