Bake Off star Matt Lucas reveals new project

Departing Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas has confirmed he's writing a musical.

The comedian and presenter announced last year that he would be stepping away from the Channel 4 show, explaining his schedule meant he could no longer continue as co-host.

Matt, who hosts Sky's Fantasy Football League with Elis James, said he had been busy writing and adapting a novel.

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"I’ve written a novel, and I’m adapting the novel for the stage," he told Metro. "I’m also writing the songs.

"I felt the next logical step from having been in musicals and going to watch virtually every musical that’s on is to try and knuckle down and write one of my own."

Of course, the star is no stranger to musicals, having appeared on stage in Les Misérables on multiple occasions, as well as Boy George's Taboo.

Announcing his Bake Off exit, Matt said at the time: "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 I can't present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside my other projects."

The star added: "I wish whoever takes over all the very best and I can't wait to tune in to the next series without already knowing who won."

Before he departs, Matt will make his final appearance as co-host on the baking show as part of the upcoming Stand Up To Cancer celebrity specials. His replacement on the series, who will appear alongside Noel Fielding, is yet to be confirmed.

The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, it's known as The Great British Baking Show, and streams on Netflix.