The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith reveals who she thinks should replace Matt Lucas

Virgin Radio

20 Dec 2022, 13:36

Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has opened up about who should take over from outgoing host Matt Lucas. 

Matt announced his departure from the beloved Channel 4 series earlier this month after three series, explaining that his busy schedule means he won’t have enough time to return to the famous tent. 

A few days after sharing her sadness of Matt leaving, Prue has opened up about who could take over the reins, telling ITV’s Lorraine that it should be someone she’s “heard of.”

When asked who she would like to see, Prue replied: “I don't know anything about young comedians. I'd never heard of Noel Fielding until I met him.

"I'd like somebody that I've heard of. I get to love them but the truth is that I've never understood Matt and Noel's jokes anyway."  

"I adored Matt and he wanted to do more theatre."

Previously on The One Show,  Prue weighed in on why she thinks Matt called time on the tent, and said she was sad to see the comedian go, but understands why he felt the need to step away. 

She said: “I'm really sad because I love the guy. He's such fun and he got on so well with Noel [Fielding].

"They were just a brilliant pair, but I do understand why. You do know that he never stops working and he has so many projects and people keep asking him to do things.

"You can't commit to it if you're on Bake Off, because we film that all summer. So I think he thought three years is enough. But I think he loved it and we're really sorry."

Upon hearing the news from Matt about his departure, co-host Noel took to Instagram to say: “Farewell buddy, thank you for 3 amazing years. I will really miss your spark and huge smile in the tent and I will miss your kindness as a person and to all the bakers.”

He continued: “I will miss your sense of the absurd and your silliness. I will miss all the times the four of us giggled together. I will miss your ability to turn into a fully formed character at the drop of a hat. I will miss you pretending to be Boris Johnson singing David Bowie songs and I will miss your upbeat nature and positive vibes.”

The most recent series of the Channel 4 show came to an end last month, with finalists Syabira, Abdul and Sandro battling it out to be crowned ultimate Star Baker, and Syabira taking the crown.

The Great British Bake Off is available to catch up on All4.