Matt Lucas caught the attention of viewers of The Great British Bake Off pretty instantly as the much-loved show returned. The 2022 edition of the Channel 4 series kicked off on Tuesday night (September 13) with 12 new amateur bakers heading into the famous tent for cake week.
There is another eclectic mix of people dedicating their time to taking part in the show in a bid to become the ultimate Star Baker - from a nuclear scientist to an architectural assistant, and a music teacher to a former charity director.
Prior to the first episode of the series airing, Bake Off released a heartfelt message to its fans ahead of the launch. In a post shared on social media, the popular show recognised that its viewers are living in 'challenging times' but shared their hope that the programme will help to ‘"bring about a few smiles" every week that it airs throughout the autumn.
And it's fair to say they did as viewers excitedly took to social media to welcome its return before commenting on the show's opening skit with hosts Matt and Noel Fielding and judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. The quartet took part in a Star Wars-themed sketch before viewers were given a first glimpse at the new bakers and the classic opening credits rolled.
Matt and Noel were the first to appear, dubbed 'Luke Piewalker' and 'Princess Layer Cake'. They exchanged a few words before they introduced the character of 'Pruebacca'. Prue then appeared in a Chewbacca costume but still wearing her signature bright coloured jewellery while Paul made his entrance as Darth Vader and proceeded to take his lightsaber and slice a pie in half.
But Bake Off viewers couldn't help but think Matt reminded them of another famous face - and a former host of the show. @nessalexa tweeted: "Why does Matt Lucas look like Sandi Toksvig #GBBO." @evilcheltdevil commented: "Matt looks a bit like the lovechild of Sandi Toksvig and Joe Lycett in that wig. #GBBO." @jonoread added: "Matt Lucas has lost so much weight my girlfriend thought it was Sandi Toksvig back in a wig #GBBO."
Back in June former Little Britain star Matt stunned BBC viewers as he appeared on The One Show. The comedian and TV star sat on The One Show's famous green sofa alongside Jennifer Saunders as they both chatted about their latest projects. While Ab Fab star Jennifer chatted about appearing in the joyous Sister Act musical alongside Lesley Joseph, Beverley Knight and The Greatest Showman's Keala Settle, Matt had a slightly more serious story to share.
He spoke to hosts Jermaine Jenas and Lauren Laverne about his appearance on the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are which reaveled his family's unexpected connection to Anne Frank. Matt found out his ancestor had lived with Otto Frank and his family. Matt also spoke about lighter subjects, such as the time he was housemates with Australian star Rebel Wilson.
But during those conversations, One Show viewers were distracted by the Bake Off host's appearance which appears to have happened again with the return of the baking programme. @alexr_241 tweeted: "Wow Matt Lucas has lost weight! That took me by surprise #GBBO."
@markjbunting shared: "I've often been inspired by #GBBO but this evening I have mostly been inspired by @RealMattLucas svelte new physique." @susucalligraphy added: "Can't get over how much weight matt lucas has lost!! #GBBO."
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