A cheesy mug from your Secret Santa, *another* pair of socks from grandma and a £5 gift card from Aunty Whoever. These inevitable Christmas presents are worse than a soggy bottom, but here’s some good news: your festive television schedule just lit up like a booze-soaked Christmas pudding.
Why? Because we will be bringing two extra-special, extra-festive episodes of The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4. Expect tidings of comfort, joy, yummy bakes and seasonal knitwear.
Paul, Prue, Noel and Sandi will be back in the tent, which has been decked out especially for party season, and they’ve invited some of the Bake Off family to join them.
The Great Christmas Bake Off will air on Christmas Day, with Series Eight’s Liam Charles and Flo Atkins as well as Series Seven’s Andrew Smyth and Jane Beedle battling it out to be crowned a Christmas tree-topping-worthy Star Baker.
Once we’ve recovered from all that Christmas baking, the tent will spring into action again for The Great New Year’s Bake Off, on New Year’s Day. We’ll be seeing in the New Year with Series Eight finalist Steven Carter-Bailey, Series Seven winner Candice Brown, Series Six finalist Tamal Ray, and Series Five’s Kate Henry.
So set your egg timers and bagsy a space on the sofa. It just won’t be Christmas without it.
The Great Christmas Bake Off: Christmas Day, 8pm, Channel 4.
The Great New Year’s Bake Off: New Year’s Day, 7.40pm, Channel 4.