Season's EATINGS

PAUL HOLLYWOOD and DAME PRUE LEITH whisk us a merry Christmas with two sparkling specials

- REBECCA FLETCHER

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF & THE GREAT NEW YEAR BAKE OFF CHRISTMAS EVE, 8PM, & FRIDAY 3 JANUARY, 7.40PM, C4 COOKERY

Judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith are hoping to stir up some holiday magic in two new seasonal instalments of C4’s The Great British Bake Off.

With hosting helpers Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding overseeing proceedings, the Christmas edition will see a batch of soap stars enter the twinkly tent – EastEnders stalwart Natalie Cassidy and her former screen sibling Dean Gaffney, exCorrie star Shobna Gulati, Emmerdale’s Chris Bisson, and Sheree Murphy, who’s been in Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Neighbours.

Meanwhile, the New Year special welcomes back six Scottish bakers from series past.

Here, Paul, 58, and Prue, 84, tell us about the tree-mendous treats that await…

Some of our fave soap stars in the tent – you’re spoiling us!

PAUL It’s magic. I don’t really follow soaps, except Emmerdale as my wife [Melissa] is a big fan. We went to the Emmerdale set once and I pulled a pint in The Woolpack!