Dame Prue Leith says ‘everybody in telly’ has pitched to replace Matt Lucas on Bake Off as Mark Gatiss throws hat into ring-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Dame Prue Leith has revealed that the campaigning to replace former Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas has already begun in earnest.

Joking that ‘everybody in telly’ had been keen to tell her they were ‘available’ for the gig over the past few days, the chef and TV star’s point was then proven by actor and writer Mark Gatiss.

Sitting next to her on the sofa on The One Show on Wednesday, when a viewer’s question asked for her take on Matt’s replacement, the Sherlock and League of Gentleman star quickly quipped: ‘Here I am!’

Matt announced he was ‘passing the baguette on to someone else’ just over a week ago, citing all the other projects he was busy with – including Fantasy Football League.

Talking about how hot the presenting job is, Dame Prue shared: ‘Almost everybody who’s in telly has said to me, “I’m available” – as if I had anything to do with the casting!’

She then went on to pay tribute to her ex co-star, echoing his intense workload.

Sherlock and Dracula Mark Gatiss wan’t going to miss his chance airing his enthusiasm for the role (Picture: BBC)

He joins a long line of poeple keen to replace Matt Lucas already, accroding to Dame Prue (Picture: BBC)

‘What I think about Matt Lucas is I’m really sad because I love the guy. He’s such fun ad he got on so well with Noel [Fielding], they were just a brilliant pair.

‘But I do understand why, because if you’re close to Matt then you know he never stops working and he has so many projects and people keep asking him to do things.’

The 82-year-old then shared her theory that he may well return to the theatre after his successful stint in Les Misérables in London’s West End a few years back, now his summers will be freed up.

However, she wouldn’t be drawn on her pick for his replacement.

Matt quit after three series last week (Picture: Channel 4/Mark Bourdillon)

The chef and TV star was careful not to suggest a replacement for him (Picture: BBC)

‘I think he loved it and we’re really sorry [to see him go]. I don’t know who should replace him.’

Host Alex Jones was very much ready to help Mark with his pitch for the job though, adding: ‘Mark, there’s an opening – quick have a chat!’

Matt had revealed his news on social media, posting a statement to his Twitter with no warning.

The 48-year-old wrote: ‘xxx 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.’

Matt expressed his ‘warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4’, before adding tributes to his co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue.

‘To Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent,’ he said.

‘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.’

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Matt first joined Bake Off in 2020, replacing QI host Sandi Toksvig, who had been on the programme since 2017.

Meanwhile, Noel has been on the show since its move to Channel 4, after it was previously hosted by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc on the BBC.

The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on All 4.

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