When are the Great British Bake Off 2016 Christmas specials and who is taking part?
WE'RE all still mourning following the final of the last-ever series of The Great British Bake Off on BBC One.
But there's some good news: we haven't seen the last of Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins together on the Beeb - they're back together this Christmas. Read on for details...
When are the Bake Off Christmas specials?
The BBC have filmed not one but two specials featuring the fab four this Christmas.
The two new shows will replace previous years’ Bake Off Masterclasses, which saw Paul and Mary demonstrating how to make festive recipes.
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content, said: "Mary, Paul, Mel and Sue are the perfect recipe for the festive season."
The first special will be aired on Christmas Day at 4:45pm on BBC One.
The second special will air on Boxing Day at 7pm.
Who will present the Bake Off Christmas Specials?
As we said, judges Paul and Mary and hosts Mel and Sue are all return for the festivities - and this really will be the very last time they're together on the show.
As everyone knows, only Paul has signed up for the Channel 4 series of Bake Off .
Who are the contestants?
Each programme features four "favourite" contestants from past series.
The Sun revealed two fan favourites will be gracing the show once more.
Beloved series four star Howard Middleton is making a comeback in the second special, a baker well remembered for his inadvertent mishaps in the tent.
These included host Sue Perkins elbowing one of his freshly baked muffins and fellow baker Deborah Manger stealing his custard.
Also returning for more fun in the tent in the first special is series three star Cathryn Dresser.
As well as her stunning bakes, the bubbly baker will be remembered for her catchphrases, including “fridge and pray!”
Both kitchen stars have enjoyed success following their appearances on the cookery show.
West Sussex-based Cathryn, who was eliminated in week eight, released a children’s cookbook in 2014 as well as making various guest TV appearances to share her tips and tricks.
Former Sheffield council worker Howard now makes a living out of baking.
He blogs his culinary adventures, which include regular appearances at food shows up and down the country.
Also returning to the tent in the first special will be Mary-Ann series two, Ali from series four and fan favourite, Norman from series five.
Norman delighted us by teaching Sue how to signal 'bake' in semaphore and admitting that he found pesto very exotic.
Norman published his autobiography earlier this year and is in demand as a charity chef and after dinner speaker.
Baking once more in the second special along with Howard are Janet from series two, James from series three and Chetna from series five.
Each of the specials sees the bakers face three festive challenges.
They will start with the signature challenge, and in the first episode Paul and Mary want them to bake some highly decorative Christmas bakes that require intricate icing. In the second episode the judges require a savoury signature to get the Christmas party started.
Next comes the technical challenge. In the first special, Mary's recipe will result in a stunning bake decorated with chocolate snowflakes and in the second, Paul will be hoping the bakers create his bread creation to perfection.
Finally there is the showstopper challenge. Bakers must produce a suitably stunning and festive masterpiece with a Christmas theme.
Who will win the final Great British Bake Off on the BBC?
READ MORE:
When does Junior Bake Off start, who are the judges and can I apply to be on the show?
Why is Mary Berry quitting the Great British Bake Off?
Great British Bake Off champ Candice Brown sparks rumours she’s got engaged
Want to plan your Christmas viewing? Get your guide to What's On TV from The Sun Online