The Great British Bake Off finally returned to our screens on Tuesday night, which saw Matt Lucas make his debut in the famous tent.

And right from the off the Little Britain star made his presence felt in a skit mimicking Boris Johnson’s coronavirus briefings.

The comic, who has replaced Sandi Toksvig on the Channel 4 baking competition, appeared ahead of the show’s return to Channel 4 wearing a blonde wig and standing at a lectern featuring the slogan: “Stay Alert, Bake Cake, Save Loaves.”

Bake Off’s broadcast was delayed by 15 minutes to make space for televised coronavirus addresses from the prime minister, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following the announcement of new restrictions.

Stumbling over his words, Matt began: “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.”

Matt’s co-host Noel Fielding then appeared via video link to ask a question about the correct pronunciation of “scone”.

The skit had viewers howling…

Production on the 11th series was initially delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but filming finished near the end of August.

This year’s series opener notched up Bake Off’s biggest overnight launch audience since its move to Channel 4, the broadcaster said, averaging 6.9 million viewers and peaking at 7.9 million.

The Great British Bake Off continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.