The It's a Sin Cast Will Compete For Star Baker in The Great British Bake Off's Christmas Special

The Great British Bake Off [1] has set a wave of excitement in motion by teasing the lineup for this year's Christmas and festive season specials for 2021. Although the respective air dates of the episodes have yet to be confirmed, Twitter and nationwide pulses went into a frenzy [2] when the announcement was made. Why? Because the cast of award-winning hit Channel 4 drama It's a Sin [3] will be donning their aprons this year while trying to avoid a soggy bottom — so prepare to cosy up and bring your best La!

Adding to the anticipation, a further special will feature returning bakers hoping to once again impress the judges. Although little is known about the exact details of the festive special (although we'll assume it's coming to our screens in the first week of January, like last year [4]), the returning bakers have also been revealed and include fan favourites Hermine and and Kim-Joy.

If you have yet to see It's a Sin [5] (and if you haven't, where have you been?), it was undoubtedly one of the most important, poignant, and incredible dramas of this year, or even the decade; a Russell T. Davies masterpiece looking at the AIDS epidemic of the '80s and '90s. Keep reading to find out which of the exceptionally talented cast members [6] will be joining hosts Matt Lucas, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding [7], and Paul Hollywood for what has been dubbed a festive baking event that will turn the tent into a "Pink Palace" — a nod to the house that the characters of the show live in.

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021: Olly Alexander

In addition to his burgeoning acting career, Olly Alexander [8] performs in the band Years and Years as lead vocalist. The 31-year-old took the lead role of Ritchie Tozer on It's a Sin, earning hugely deserved praise for his performance. Will Olly's baking skills match up to his singing and acting skills? We'll soon find out!

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021: Lydia West

A huge part of the charm of It's a Sin was that a significant number of the cast members were up-and-coming actors [9] at the start of their careers. Lydia West, whose character Jill [10] is full of heart, had previously only appeared in two TV productions prior to her breakout performance. A burgeoning baking career could also be on the horizon for Lydia, if she becomes the Christmas star baker, that is.

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021: Nathaniel Curtis

With numerous roles in theatre under his belt, the role of Ash Mukherjee was the first television role for Nathaniel Curtis and is sure to not be the last. Setting screens on fire with his sizzling performance on It's a Sin, he will no doubt keep the heat in the tent cranked up during his festive baking stint.

The Great Christmas Bake Off 2021: Shaun Dooley

One of the cast's more veteran actors, Shaun Dooley has been in the business since 1998, and the role of Clive Tozer was one of many for the accomplished actor, who has starred in everything from historical drama to comedy. Here's to raising a glass of mulled wine to see the It's a Sin cast members reunited.

The Great Festive Bake Off 2021: Jon Jenkins

Proud Welshman and Hawaiian-shirt fanatic Jon graced the Bake Off tent back in 2018, bowing out during a vegan-themed round of challenges. Jon formerly worked as a blood courier but now instils his love of baking in others, working with other previous contestants providing both online and in-person baking classes. He will no doubt be hankering after the title that once eluded him.

The Great Festive Bake Off 2021: Hermine

Last year's semifinalist Hermine (who appears to go just by that name and no surname, along with the likes of Madonna [11]) is a self-taught baker. [12] She is still very active on social media, with her Instagram account having accrued over 95,000 followers. A big fan favourite during her time on the show, Hermine will no doubt want to add "winner" to her Instagram bio.

The Great Festive Bake Off 2021: Kim-Joy Hewlett

Kim-Joy, 2018 finalist, now has a lucrative career as an author [13], having three bestselling books to her name. Her vibrant personality launched her firmly as a Bake Off favourite, and fans will be very excited to see her back in the tent, doing what she does best.

The Great Festive Bake Off 2021: Rowan Williams

Hailing from Worcestershire, multitalented Rowan works as a music teacher when he isn't baking up a storm. The 2020 contestant exited fairly early on in the proceedings, with bread week getting the better of him. Let's hope festive bread-and-butter pudding isn't on the menu for this returning baker.

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