Matt Lucas has said he is “passing the baguette on to someone else” as he announced his departure from The Great British Bake Off.

He said it had been a “delicious experience” and could not imagine a “more fun way” of spending his summers.

The comedian, 48, has hosted the TV show with Noel Fielding for three series, but said he is struggling to fit it in alongside other projects.

He has a new role on revived comedy show Fantasy Football League.

“Farewell Bake Off!” he wrote on Instagram, adding: “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.”

Lucas lavished praise on his fellow on-screen stars including “Noelipops” (Fielding), and judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone (including) the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent,” he said.

Co-host Fielding said he would miss Lucas’s “spark” but added: “Totally respect your decision Matt!”

Hollywood said Lucas had been “awesome” while Dame Prue said she had “absolutely loved working” with him.