Bake Off fans name the star they want to take over as host alongside Noel Fielding after Matt Lucas quits

THE Great British Bake Off is in need of a new host – after Matt Lucas announced he was stepping down from the hit.

The star, 48, said tonight he would be “cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else” to present alongside Noel Fielding.

It would be the third person to co-host with Mighty Boosh star Noel, 49, who was originally paired with Sandi Toksvig on the show.

Many fans already have strong opinions on who should front the Channel 4 baking hit in his place.

Some suggested the hosts on some of Bake Off‘s spin-off shows deserved to step up to the main jobs.

One of the names in the frame was Stacey Solomon, who presents Bake Off: The Professionals with former contestant Liam Charles.

When asked who deserved to get the job, one fan wrote simply: “Stacey Solomon.”

Others suggested that Harry Hill, 58, who presents the junior version of Bake Off, would be perfect alongside Noel.

One tweeted: “I am begging @BritishBakeOff to replaceMatt with @HarryHill. It’s the logical option.”

Another said: “Harry Hill. He is absolutely brilliant on Junior Bake Off.”

Matt tweeted the shock news he was leaving tonight in a long post, writing: “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.

“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent.

“I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!”