Matt Lucas announces his departure from Bake Off

He'll be missed.

Matt Lucas has announced that he will no longer be presenting The Great British Bake Off as he steps down from the role. The 48 year old has hosted the show on Channel 4 for three seasons now alongside Noel Fielding. Posting a statment on Instagram, the comedian said he could no longer commit to the show's schedule alongside his other projects, including his new role hosting Fantasy Football League. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, he wrote: “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! xxx Matt." Speaking about his departure, Noel also took to Instagram to say he would miss Matt's "spark in the tent" and commented a tribute to his co-host. He wrote: “Totally respect your decision matt! But I will miss your spark in the tent and I will miss you channelling other characters at the drop of a hat like your brilliant Boris Johnson. “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 says “Eggy” in his Scouse accent. “You were so lovely to work with and so kind to the bakers. Have fun on your next adventure and remember “It’s all about the show stopper x x x”. “Was a pleasure for me to work with such a wonderful comic talent and a lovely man to boot xx Look forward to your next adventures as a friend and a fan x."