Matt Lucas to release single Merry Christmas, Baked Potato to raise money for food charity

Comedian Matt Lucas will release a charity Christmas single in an bid to raise money for hungry children.

The Little Britain star has said he has been inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford’s attempts to ensure kids do not go hungry over Christmas.

Funds raised from the song Merry Christmas, Baked Potato will be donated to FareShare, an organisation which redistributes surplus food to charities to give to people without much food.

Read more: Matt Lucas wins over Bake Off fans in Boris Johnson skit

Announcing the news on Monday morning, Lucas tweeted: “Hello! My special Christmas single Merry Christmas, Baked Potato is released THIS THURSDAY and all proceeds from downloads are going to support FareShare! Potato-Ho-Ho!”

The track comes after Lucas released Thank You Baked Potato last year to raise money to be donated to help feed frontline workers.

The Bake Off star said in a statement about the release: “Santa Baked Potato’s on his way! I hope my silly song will put a smile on your face.

“Thank You Baked Potato was released in aid of FeedNHS at a time when the supermarket shelves were empty and restaurants and cafes were closed.

“Now that that situation has been largely remedied, I have the opportunity - with my follow-up single Merry Christmas, Baked Potato - to raise some money for another cause.

“Like so many people I've been incredibly inspired by Marcus Rashford's campaigning for FareShare, so all profits from downloads of the single and streaming revenue will go to the charity.

Watch: Matt Lucas and Thank You, Baked Potato

“I also hope the song will bring a bit of a bounce in what is sure to be a challenging Christmas.”

Lucas ended the statement by asking the young footballer not to score against his favourite team.

He added: “All that I ask for in return is that Marcus Rashford doesn't score against Arsenal ever again. Thank you.”

FareShare Commercial Director Alyson Walsh added: “FareShare is absolutely thrilled to be the charity partner for the Christmas Baked Potato song.

Read more: Bake Off hit with complaints over Matt Lucas's Boris Johnson sketch

“We know how much Matt's earlier song this year helped FeedNHS. Sadly, as a food charity, we have seen demand for food skyrocket this year and the sales from this song this Christmas will help us keep supporting those in need, all across the UK.”

You can also support FareShare this Christmas by texting ‘BAKED’ to 70085 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message. Find out more here.

Merry Christmas, Baked Potato will be released and available to download on 26 November.