What Happened to Matt Lucas? Is Matt Lucas Gay? Why did Matt Lucas Leave the Great British Bake Off?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Oct 07, 2023
What Happened to Matt Lucas?
Matt Lucas decided to exit his role as co-host of "The Great British Bake Off." He initially joined the Channel 4 baking competition in 2020 as a host alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood but announced his departure in December 2022.
In a February interview on the Deeney Talks podcast, Lucas revealed that his decision to join the show was somewhat unexpected. He referred to it as a "pandemic job," stating that he had never seen the show before being approached to star on it. Lucas was not a baker and had been living in Los Angeles for seven years before this opportunity arose. At the time, he was contemplating returning to the UK to spend more time with his family and friends.
Initially, Lucas was unsure about taking on the role as host since he had never seen the show before. However, Love Productions, the production company behind "The Great British Bake Off," encouraged him to watch a few episodes. After doing so, he was impressed but still hesitant about hosting a TV show. Eventually, he decided to meet with the production company, and he ended up getting the job.
While he had a fun and enjoyable experience hosting the show alongside Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and the bakers, Lucas later realized that he wanted to focus on other projects. He mentioned that he wanted to dedicate more time to projects like "Fantasy Football League," writing a book, working on a musical, and collaborating on a new TV series with his former "Little Britain" co-star, David Walliams. He believed that these projects would better utilize his talents than "Bake Off."
Ultimately, Matt Lucas decided to step down from his role as co-host of "The Great British Bake Off" to pursue other creative endeavors. His departure opened the door for Alison Hammond to take on the role of co-host alongside Noel Fielding, and the show's producers were in the process of searching for a new co-host to join the series when it returned for its next season.
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Who is Matt Lucas?
Matt Lucas is an English actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter, born on March 5, 1974. He is best known for his collaborative work with David Walliams on the BBC sketch comedy series "Little Britain" (2003–2006) and "Come Fly with Me" (2010–2011). Lucas gained recognition as the scorekeeper George Dawes on the comedy panel show "Shooting Stars" from 1995 to 2009.
In addition to his television work, Lucas has appeared in various films, including "Shaun of the Dead" (2004), "The Infidel" (2010), "The Harry Hill Movie" (2013), "Paddington" (2014), "A Futile and Stupid Gesture" (2018), and "The Queen's Corgi" (2019). He also played the role of Nardole in the BBC series "Doctor Who" from 2015 to 2017. Matt Lucas co-hosted "The Great British Bake Off" alongside Noel Fielding from 2020 to 2023, becoming a familiar face to fans of the popular baking competition show.
Name
Matthew Richard Lucas
Date of Birth
5 March 1974 (age 49)
Place of Birth
Paddington, London, England
Citizenship
United Kingdom and Germany
Education
Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School
Alma Mater
University of Bristol
Occupations
Actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter
Years Active
1992–present
Partner
Kevin McGee (c. 2002–2008)
Marital Status
Divorced
Parents
Diana Williams Lucas, John Stanley Lucas
Height
5′ 7″
Net Worth
$15 million
Specifications
Details
Matt Lucas Career
Matt Lucas has had a diverse and successful career spanning comedy, acting, television, film, and even music. Matt Lucas's career in comedy took off in the early 1990s when he began working with comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer. He appeared in "The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer" in 1995 and went on to star in the iconic comedy panel show "Shooting Stars," where he gained fame as the character George Dawes, a giant baby who delivered humorous gags and drummed while providing scores.
One of the most significant milestones in his career was his collaboration with David Walliams. They worked together on various comedy projects, including "Rock Profile," a show that spoofed famous musical personalities. This partnership would go on to define much of Lucas's career. The duo's most commercially successful venture was the creation of "Little Britain." Initially launched as a radio show on BBC Radio 4, it later became a highly popular TV series.
In "Little Britain," Matt Lucas and David Walliams portrayed a wide array of memorable characters, including Andy Pipkin, Vicky Pollard, Daffyd Thomas, and Marjorie Dawes. The show garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim, making Lucas a household name in the UK comedy scene. Lucas expanded his career into television and film. He appeared in various roles, including a Venetian duke in the BBC historical serial "Casanova" and voice work in programs like "King Arthur's Disasters" and "Community." He made cameo appearances in movies like "Shaun of the Dead" and played Tweedledee and Tweedledum in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland."
Matt Lucas hosted his own radio show called "And The Winner Is," where he handed out fictional awards based on nominations by his guests. He also took on theatrical roles, such as performing in Boy George's musical "Taboo" and playing Mr. Toad in "The Wind in the Willows." Lucas was involved in charitable activities, releasing a charity single for Comic Relief alongside Peter Kay and participating in various charitable initiatives.
Throughout his career, Lucas continued to act in various roles, including a role in the dark comedy "Small Apartments" and reprising the role of Tweedledee/Tweedledum in "Alice Through the Looking Glass." He also appeared in theater productions like "Me and My Girl." Lucas ventured into hosting and appeared in shows like "Come Fly with Me" alongside David Walliams. He also hosted his own program, "The Matt Lucas Awards," which parodied award shows.
In 2019, he played the role of Monsieur Thénardier in a fully staged concert adaptation of "Les Misérables" in London's West End. In March 2020, Lucas became the co-host of "The Great British Bake Off," succeeding Sandi Toksvig. He hosted the show alongside Noel Fielding until his departure in December 2022.
Lucas made contributions to the music scene through appearances in music videos and even releasing charity singles. He authored an autobiography titled "Little Me," offering insights into his life and career. In 2020, Lucas, along with David Walliams, issued apologies for their portrayal of characters using racial caricatures in "Little Britain" following the removal of the show from streaming platforms.
Matt Lucas Parents and Childhood
Matt Lucas was born on March 5, 1974, in the Paddington area of west London. He is the son of Diana Lucas (née Williams), born in 1945, and John Stanley Lucas, who was born in 1944 and owned a chauffeuring business. Lucas's family has Jewish heritage, with some of his mother's relatives having fled Nazi Germany just before the outbreak of the Second World War.
He was raised in a Reform Jewish household, even though his parents came from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds, indicating a mix of traditions in his upbringing. One notable aspect of Lucas's life is that he has had alopecia since childhood, which caused him to lose all of his hair at the age of 6 in 1980. Additionally, when Matt Lucas was 22 years old, he faced a significant loss in his life when his father passed away due to a heart attack. This event likely had a profound impact on him during that period of his life and may have influenced his personal and career development.
Matt Lucas Education
Matt Lucas began his educational journey at Aylward Primary School, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits. He continued his education at Haberdashers' Boys' School in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, which was his secondary school. Upon completing his secondary education, Lucas enrolled at the University of Bristol. He studied drama at the university from 1992 to 1995, although he did not complete his degree.
In addition to his formal education, Matt Lucas also spent time with the National Youth Theatre. It was during this period that he had a fateful encounter with David Walliams, his future collaborator in the world of comedy and entertainment. These various educational experiences played a significant role in shaping Matt Lucas's career and creative journey.
Matt Lucas Husband
Kevin McGee was the former husband of the well-known TV comedian and actor, Matt Lucas. The couple was married from 2006 to 2008. Tragically, Kevin McGee passed away just a year after the breakdown of their marriage. He worked as a TV producer for Carbon Media, a branch of Princess Productions, and was involved in the production of various TV shows, including "The Real Little Britain," "Comic Relief: Red Nose Night Live 05," "Jump Britain," and "The Morning After Show."
Kevin and Matt's relationship had begun four years before they tied the knot in a civil ceremony in December 2006. Their wedding was attended by notable guests such as Paul O'Grady, Courtney Love, and Sir Elton John, who came dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters. However, their marriage faced challenges, and by 2008, they divorced, just 18 months after their wedding. Tragically, Kevin McGee took his own life in October 2009. He had battled depression and substance abuse issues in the past.
Kevin's apparent suicide note, posted on Facebook, expressed his belief that death was preferable to life. Since his divorce from Kevin McGee, Matt Lucas has kept his love life private, and it is not publicly known whether he is currently in a relationship. On the tenth anniversary of Kevin's death, Matt shared a touching photo of his former husband on Instagram, commemorating their time together.
Matt Lucas Net Worth
Matt Lucas's net worth is $ 15 million, He is a multi-talented entertainer who has various sources of income. Lucas has earned a significant portion of his income through his work in television and film. This includes acting roles in TV shows, movies, and series such as "Little Britain," "Alice in Wonderland," "Doctor Who," and "Les Misérables." His comedy work, especially collaborations with David Walliams on shows like "Little Britain" and "Come Fly with Me," has been a major source of income. These shows have not only been popular in the UK but have also been sold internationally.
Like many comedians, Lucas has likely earned income from performing stand-up comedy at live shows and events. Lucas has hosted his radio show, "And The Winner Is," which could have generated income from radio broadcasting. He has lent his voice to various animated projects, including "Alice in Wonderland," "Gnomeo and Juliet," and more. Voice acting can be a lucrative source of income.
His autobiography, "Little Me," and any future writing projects contribute to his income as an author. Hosting TV shows like "The Great British Bake Off" during his tenure as co-host has also been a source of income. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, live performances and tours, such as live comedy shows or theater performances, were a source of income for entertainers like Matt Lucas.
Matt Lucas Age
As of 2023, Matt Lucas is 49 years old, having been born on March 5, 1974. Throughout his life, he has achieved remarkable success and recognition in the entertainment industry, known for his comedy, acting, and television hosting. His diverse career includes iconic roles in shows like "Little Britain" and "The Great British Bake Off."
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his former husband, Kevin McGee, Lucas has continued to make a significant impact in the world of comedy and entertainment, contributing to his legacy in the entertainment field.
Matt Lucas Height
Matt Lucas stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (5' 7" or approximately 170 cm). While he may not be exceptionally tall, his stature hasn't hindered his successful career in the entertainment industry. Lucas's talent, comedic skills, and versatility have made him a prominent figure in comedy, acting, and television hosting.
His achievements in various aspects of entertainment have earned him recognition and a dedicated fan base, showcasing that height is not a determining factor in one's ability to make a significant impact in the world of showbiz.
Is Matt Lucas Gay?
Yes, Matt Lucas is openly gay. He first began to suspect his sexuality at the young age of seven. His sexual orientation became publicly known, and he confirmed that he is gay during a ceremony in Central London in December 2006, which was around the time of his marriage to Kevin McGee. Since then, he has been open and supportive of LGBTQ+ rights and causes.
Why did Matt Lucas Leave the Great British Bake Off?
Matt Lucas left "The Great British Bake Off" because he considered it a "pandemic job" and had never seen the show before joining. He initially took on the role as host when he was thinking about returning to the UK after living in LA and sold his house there. Although he enjoyed his time on the show, he wanted to focus on other projects such as "Fantasy Football League," writing a book and musical, and collaborating with David Walliams on a new TV series. Lucas believed these endeavors better suited his talents, leading to his departure from Bake Off.
What Happened to Matt Lucas - FAQs
Matt Lucas decided to exit his role as co-host of "The Great British Bake Off." He initially joined the Channel 4 baking competition in 2020 as a host alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood but announced his departure in December 2022.
Matt Lucas left "The Great British Bake Off" because he considered it a "pandemic job" and had never seen the show before joining. He initially took on the role as host when he was thinking about returning to the UK after living in LA and sold his house there. Although he enjoyed his time on the show, he wanted to focus on other projects such as "Fantasy Football League," writing a book and musical, and collaborating with David Walliams on a new TV series. Lucas believed these endeavors better suited his talents, leading to his departure from Bake Off.
Matt Lucas is primarily famous for his work as a comedian, actor, and television presenter. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in comedy series like "Little Britain" and "Come Fly with Me." He has also hosted "The Great British Bake Off."
Matt Lucas had been married to Kevin McGee from 2006 to 2008, but tragically, Kevin McGee passed away in 2009.
Matt Lucas is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm).
Yes, Matt Lucas has authored an autobiography titled "Little Me," in which he shares insights into his life and career. The book was published in both hardback and paperback editions.