Matt Lucas says 'GBBO' filming schedule was 'gruelling' for contestants

Great British Bake Off's newest host Matt Lucas has lifted the lid on the "gruelling" regime the show's bakers experienced for the upcoming series.

Channel 4 and production company Love Productions have previously opened up on how all contestants, presenters and crew worked in a self-contained bubble for a condensed schedule to ensure the programme could be made.

Now, Lucas has spoken on how the bakers worked tirelessly to practice during their days off.

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"It was very tough for the bakers because we would film two days on and two days off, and on those two days off the bakers were in practice kitchens to practice the signature and the showstopper for the the next episode, so it was gruelling for them," he shared on Steph McGovern's Steph's Packed Lunch on Monday.

Lucas, who has replaced Sandi Toksvig on the popular programme, also divulged that he had ended up getting emotionally invested in the contestants and was sorry to see them go week by week.

"I would have to go to my room after a baker was sent home and have a word with myself for a couple of hours because I'd get really upset. It was emotional," he told the presenter.

However, according to the comedian there was plenty to lift their spirits as they enjoyed activities of an evening.

"I hosted bingo one night, and Prue [Leith] did a flower arranging class, and Paul Hollywood bought his pizza oven and made pizzas for everybody, it was like a holiday camp," he said.

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Lucas will present the contest alongside Noel Fielding with Leith and Hollywood returning as judges once again.

The Little Britain star also teased the new challenges the bakers would be up against as the show has introduced a Japanese Week and an 80s Week for the first time.