Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding Respond to Baking Show Exit by Matt Lucas

Fans of The Great British Baking Show are devastated to learn that comedian Matt Lucas is parting ways with the series. Yet perhaps few are as upset as judge Paul Hollywood and co-host Noel Fielding.

Lucas announced the news of his exit in a statement posted to Instagram on Tuesday. The presenter described his time on the show as a “delicious experience,” but said it had become too difficult to juggle with his other engagements, including working as a host on Fantasy Football League.

“So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else,” Lucas wrote in part. He later continued: “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!”

Viewers flock to The Great British Baking Show, which just wrapped Season 13, for content that’s made up of equal parts wholesomeness and cheer. The series judges deliver tough love with a spoonful of sugar, and hosts dish out much-needed comedic relief during moments of heightened anxiety.

Lucas had previously gained a large viewership thanks to his work on shows like Little Britain, but he also apparently made fans of his fellow cast members behind-the-scenes.

“I’m going to miss you Matt, and so will the bakers … [heart emoji],” Hollywood wrote in response to the Instagram post from Lucas on Tuesday.

Fielding also replied that while he “totally respect[s]” the decision, he will miss Lucas for his “spark in the tent.”

“I will miss you channeling other characters at the drop of a hat like your brilliant Boris Johnson,” Fielding wrote. “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.”

He continued: “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’ [laughing emoji] 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.”

Newsweek has reached out to representatives for Lucas for additional comment.

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