Matt Lucas has been announced as the new host of The Great British Bake Off.

The Little Britain star will appear alongside Noel Fielding in the next series of the challenge show.

Channel 4 confirms: "Actor, writer and comedian Matt Lucas will be joining Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the Bake Off tent. Much like creating a successful bake, a successful presenting partnership is all about chemistry and Matt and Noel have it by the oven-load."

Lucas is taking over from Sandi Toksvig, who has announced she is leaving the show to concentrate on other work projects.

Matt Lucas says: "I'm chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can't wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers. And bearing in mind my love of cake, I've already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!"

Welcoming Matt to the team for this forthcoming series, Noel Fielding says: "I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile. I think if we play our cards right we could become the next Chas and Morph."

Paul Hollywood comments: "I'm a genuine fan of Matt's, it is such great news he will be joining us in the tent, he's a fantastic addition to the team."

Prue Leith adds: "The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding! Will we stop laughing and get any filming done?"

Richard McKerrow from Love Productions notes: "It's extremely exciting to have Matt joining the Bake Off family, he's a phenomenal talent with a huge heart and we can't wait to enjoy the mischief and mayhem he and Noel will inevitably create in the tent. Our new batch of bakers will be in very safe hands."

Channel 4's Director of Programmes, Ian Katz, welcomed Matt too: "We're thrilled that one much loved national institution is joining another. Matt has everything it takes to be a great Bake Off presenter: he's warm, hilarious and loves cake."

Filming on the new Series 11 begins this spring, for broadcast on Channel 4 later this year.