The Great British Bake Off reveals the line-up of former bakers heading back to the tent for show’s Christmas and New Year’s specials
The Great British Bake Off has unveiled the line-up for its Christmas and New Year’s specials.
It was revealed by the programme via Twitter on Thursday which former bakers would be making their triumphant return for the festive one-off episodes.
Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, Ruby Bhogal, James Hillery, and Jamie Finn will make an appearance on the Channel 4 show’s Christmas Eve episode, which will no doubt see them test their baking skills with some festive treats.
Exciting: The Great British Bake Off revealed the line-up of former bakers returning for show’s Christmas and New Year’s specials on Thursday (pictured L-R James Hillery (2017), Jamie Finn (2019), Ruby Bhogal (2018), Rosie Brandreth-Poynter(2019)
Ruby was a finalist on the show’s ninth season, while Jamie and Rosie took part in the tenth season, and James appeared in season eight.
The channel confirmed that The Great British Bake Off: Extra Slice host Tom Allen filled in for Noel Fielding on the special, as it was filmed in October shortly after his partner Liliana Bird gave birth to their second child.
Alexandra Burke is also set to appear on the Christmas special to perform her own rendition of Silent Night for viewers.
One to watch: They announced on Twitter that Rosie Brandreth-Poynter, Ruby Bhogal, James Hillery, and Jamie Finn will appear on the Channel 4 show’s Christmas Eve episode (pictured L-R James Hillery (2017), Jamie Finn (2019), Ruby Bhogal (2018), Rosie Brandreth-Poynter(2019)
Bakers at the ready! The New Year’s Special will see former contestants Helena Garcia, Henry Bird, Nancy Birtwhistle and Rahul Mandal go up against each other (pictured L-R Helena Garcia (2019), Henry Bird (2019), Nancy Birtwhistle (2014), Rahul Mandal (2019)
The New Year’s Special will see former contestants Helena Garcia, Henry Bird, Nancy Birtwhistle and Rahul Mandal go up against each other.
Nancy won the show’s fifth season and Rahual also came top when he competed on the ninth season of the show, while Helena and Henry both appeared in season ten.
The special will air on January 3, and sees Noel return to his spot as co-host the show alongside Matt Lucas.
Tom gushed about being able to fill in for Noel in the Christmas Eve special, as he said in a statement: ‘I was thrilled to be asked to host with Matt Lucas. Finally, bald gay men are getting their chance on television.
‘Paul and Prue get treated like priests, the bakers walking up, like bowing to them… they were so reverential. It was great fun.’
The Great British Bake Off Christmas special will air on Christmas Eve at 7.40pm, and the New Year’s special will air on January 3 at 7.45pm on Channel 4.
New gig: The Great British Bake Off: Extra Slice host Tom Allen (pictured with Jo Brand) filled in for Noel Fielding on the Christmas special, as it was filmed shortly after his partner gave birth