It came as something of a curveball when Matt Lucas was announced as the new co-host of the Great
British Bake Off on Wednesday morning.
Of all the possible named mooted to replace outgoing presenter Sandi Toksvig, the Little
Britain comic wasn’t among them.
However, when you think about it, his appointment makes a lot of sense as he famously played a cake-loving character on the hit
BBC sketch show, which ran from 2003 to 2007. For those who’ve forgotten, Marjorie Dawes was the sadistic leader of weight loss group Fat Fighters, who used to taunt her members, often using baked goods.
After the news that Matt would be joining Noel Fielding, Prue Leith and Paul
Hollywood in the tent on the Channel 4 show, many people on
Twitter were rushing to make the same joke... Matt Lucas joining Bake Off. Brilliant. Must be tempted to do it in character as Marjorie Dawes.— boydhilton (@boydhilton) March 11, 2020Can't wait for dust week #GBBOpic.twitter.com/kP3A3S0fkb— Digital Spy (@digitalspy) March 11, 2020If Matt Lucas doesn’t present Bake Off as Marjorie Dawes every week it’s a massively missed opportunity https://t.co/Y7H2rJVxqrpic.twitter.com/tpvD2PQnTQ— Greg Lee (@greglee91) March 11, 2020EXCLUSIVE first look at the new series of The Great British Bake Off. #GBBO#MattLucaspic.twitter.com/rIhsVAkHFn— Elliot Gonzalez (@elliot_gonzalez) March 11, 2020If @RealMattLucas doesn't do @BritishBakeOff as Marjorie Dawes I simply won't be watching. pic.twitter.com/8RBkNC63rU— del (@del__91) March 11, 2020If @RealMattLucas doesn’t host at least one episode as Marjorie Dawes, I’m going to feel cheated. I lurve da cake! Great choice. #GBBOpic.twitter.com/YdmjS2TQsg— Sohail Shah (@KingOfSunshine) March 11, 2020Petition for Matt to do the whole thing in character as Marjorie Dawes from Little Britain. https://t.co/x2vgQChAz4pic.twitter.com/5O3ZGNBbsH— David Smith (@DVDSmith) March 11, 2020Matt himself even teased fans with the idea he could host as Marjorie, tweeting a picture of himself in character shortly after the news was announced: mood : pic.twitter.com/P15F164n47— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) March 11, 2020Of his new role, Matt said in a statement: “I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can’t wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers.
“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!”
Bake Off bosses have also given fans a peek of what to expect from Matt and Noel’s new partnership with a specially recorded video that the show posted on Twitter.On your marks, get set… say hello to the newest member of the Bake Off team – @RealMattLucas! #GBBOpic.twitter.com/MN6lDox94t— British Bake Off (@BritishBakeOff) March 11, 2020Welcoming Matt to the team, Noel said: “I love Matt. I love his warmth and his
comedy and his big joyful smile. I think if we play our cards right we could become the next Chas and Morph.”
Matt will be seen on screen when the regular series of Bake Off returns in August. MORE BAKE OFF: Matt Lucas Confirmed As New Great British Bake Off Host Louis Theroux And Ovie Soko's Bake Off Appearance Obviously Sparked Some Brilliant Reactions Noel Fielding Pays Sweet Tribute To Sandi Toksvig As She Announces She's Quitting Bake Off