Matt Lucas parodies Boris Johnson’s coronavirus briefings during Great British Bake Off debut
Matt Lucas made his debut on The Great British Bake Off by parodying Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s coronavirus briefings with the slogan "Stay Alert, Bake Cake, Save Loaves."
The Little Britain star, 46, appeared ahead of the show’s return on Channel 4 wearing a blonde wig and standing at a lectern modeling the prime minister during one of the coronavirus press conferences.
Bake Off’s broadcast was delayed by 15 minutes to make space for televised coronavirus addresses from Mr Johnson, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following the announcement of new restrictions.
Stumbling over his words, Lucas said: “Good evening, let’s get straight to it.
“We are now approaching phase 46 which means that from Tuesday morning or Wednesday evening, depending on your height, we are saying, with regards to baking, that if you must bake in a tent, bake in a tent, but please don’t bake in a tent…”
He added: “We are asking people to use common sense with regards to the distribution of the hundreds and thousands.”
Lucas’ co-host Noel Fielding then appeared via video link to ask a question about the correct pronunciation of “scone”.
The comedian handed over to judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, mimicking advisers Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, who disagreed on the matter.
“I hope that clears it up for you,” Lucas quipped.
He has replaced Sandi Toksvig on the Channel 4 show who left after three years presenting in order to focus on other projects.
Production on the 11th series was initially delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but filming finished near the end of August.
Before the show aired the real Boris Johnson urged the nation to "summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through".He said if people did not follow the rules then the government may be forced to go further and put the nation back into lockdown.