The Great British Bake Off [1] is returning for not one but two festive specials [2] this Christmas — and that means we know what we're cosying up on the sofa and watching over Christmas break.
The first episode, which airs on Channel 4 at 7:40 p.m. on Christmas Eve, sees judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith back in the iconic white tent, alongside presenter Matt Lucas [3] for some yuletide Bake Off fun with some of the show's best-loved contestants. They'll be battling it out for the title of Christmas Star Baker ahead of a very special performance of "Silent Night" from musical guest Alexandra Burke.
Sadly Noel Fielding [4], who has presented the hit show since 2017, will not be joining in on the festive fun. Having recently welcomed a second child [5], he was on paternity leave during filming for this episode. Instead, comedian Tom Allen, who is best known for hosting sister-show Bake Off: The Professionals, will take on presenting duties alongside Matt.
However, Bake Off fans [6] need not worry as Noel will be back in time for a second helping of the Channel 4 competition, which lands on our screens just over a week later at 7:45 p.m. on 3 Jan. In this episode, another group of former contestants from years gone by (including two former winners!) return to the tent to try and impress judges Paul and Prue and take home the coveted Festive Star Baker title. Together they'll see in the New Year with a cosy singsong round the piano.
So who are the familiar Bake Off faces returning to take part in this festive double baking bill? Keep reading to find out!
The Great Christmas Bake Off: Rosie Brandreth-Poynter
First up returning to the iconic Bake Off tent for the show's Christmas special is Rosie, 29. The Oxfordshire-based vet earned earned herself a spot in the 2019 final [7] thanks to her creative bakes but missed out on the coveted Bake Off trophy. Will she win this year's Christmas Star Baker?
The Great Christmas Bake Off: Jamie Finn
Jamie, 21, competed alongside Rosie in 2019's series. Although he only made it so far as week two of the competition, he quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his cheeky one-liners and relatable baking disasters. The university student is now hoping to prove himself to the judges once again.
The Great Christmas Bake Off: James Hillery
James, 49, took part in 2017's series of the competition (you remember, the year that Prue accidentally tweeted the show's winner [8] before the final aired?) and made it to the fifth week before being booted out after a disastrous turn in Pudding Week. The Essex-born banker has been keeping up his baking habit on his YouTube [9] channel, so let's hope he's prepared!
The Great Christmas Bake Off: Ruby Bhogal
The 2018 semifinalist Ruby, 31, is the fourth and final contestant taking part in the The Great Christmas Bake Off. The project manager from London will be having another go at securing the Bake Off champion title during this year's Christmas special.
The Great New Year's Bake Off: Rahul Mandal
The Great Festive New Year's Bake Off has an equally charming lineup of past contestants. Among them is 2018 winner Rahul, 32, who is hoping to impress the judges with his skills and creativity once again. The engineering researcher from Rotherham won legions of fans during his stint on the show thanks to his wholesome and modest character, so we can't wait to see him back on our screens.
The Great New Year's Bake Off: Nancy Birtwhistle
Rahul isn't the only Bake Off champion returning for the New Year's special. Nancy, 66, winner of the show's 2014 series will also be taking part. Could the grandmother of eight take home the coveted Festive Star Baker title?
The Great New Year's Bake Off: Henry Bird
Henry, 21, will return to the Bake Off tent for another go at bagging that Star Baker title. The university student came fifth in the 2019 series after his Pastry Week showstopper failed to impress the judges.
The Great New Year's Bake Off: Helena Garcia
Rounding off those returning for The Great New Year's Bake Off is Helena, 41, who competed against Henry in the 2019 series of the show. The Spanish-born and Yorkshire-bred baker is known for her creative Halloween-inspired treats, but we'll have to wait and see if she can deliver equally impressive festive bakes for the judges.