Celebrity Bake Off: Matt Lucas hits back at ‘benefit claims’

Celebrity Bake Off star Matt Lucas has hit back at the notion that Paul Hollywood showed him “favouritism” in the tent, explaining that people “can say whatever they want”.

On yesterday’s episode, Matt – who usually hosts the program with Noel Fielding – jumped in to attend the celebrity charity special for Stand Up To Cancer alongside Ed Gamble, Example and Annie Mac.

While the Little Britain star made glass window cookies, Judge Paul helped knead some of his dough after he came over to check on him before the contestant later received a coveted Paul Hollywood handshake during his critique.

Paul’s decision to give Matt a helping hand left comedian Ed stunned, but also prompted accusations of the judge’s “favouritism” over the former “Les Misérables” star.

Matt responded directly to an article on Twitter addressing the “favorite row,” saying he “don’t care” what people had to say.

“Say what you like. I do not care. I got a Hollywood handshake and won the technical,” he tweeted.

The 48-year-old added: “Also I know where they keep the Star Baker aprons so I’ll grab one anyway. I’m also an icon and a national treasure.”

While Paul might have helped Matt knead his cookies a bit, there’s no denying that all that time spent in the bake-off tent helped the comedian pick up some useful culinary skills.

After Matt received his handshake from the judge, Matt commented that Paul’s hands “feel a little rough, like a builder’s, but there’s truth, love and honesty in it.”

Few people in the world – now Matt included – know what a Paul Hollywood handshake feels like.

In the end, Example was the one that Paul and Prue Leith picked as the star baker over his fellow contestants.

In addition to those in last night’s episode, this year’s celebrity bake-off stars include Sir Mo Farah and singer Ellie Goulding. Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse, Taskmaster creator Alex Horne, TV presenter Emma Willis and choir director Gareth Malone.

Actor and author Ben Miller, The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison and TV and radio host Clara Amfo will also be putting their baking skills to the test.

Finally, the line-up also includes Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly, TV host Laura Whitmore, writer and comedian Mawaan Rizwan, TV personality Ruby Wax, host Sophie Morgan, Friday Night Dinner star Tracy-Ann Oberman and the musician Yung Filly.

Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer 2022 returns Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4 and is available to watch on All 4.

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