Great British Bake Off 2016 launch date and plans for two Christmas specials revealed

There will be two 'all-stars' episodes airing during the festive season 
Big plans: The Great British Bake Off will air two festive specials this year
BBC
Jennifer Ruby7 July 2016

The Great British Bake Off will return to screens next month.

The BBC have confirmed the start date for the 2016 series of the popular baking contest and revealed that there will be two Christmas specials this year.

Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry will be back on our TV screens at the beginning of August for the annual show and will be pulling out all the stops for the festive period.

The baking experts have hosted a Christmas Masterclass in previous years, but the BBC are shaking things up this year by creating two brand new specials.

With presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, who don’t usually front the festive show, on board, each programme will feature four ‘favourite’ contestants from the past.

They will compete against each other to whip up festive cakes, biscuits and breads in the ‘all-star’ version of the show.

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC content, said: “What a treat to bring two Great British Bake Off specials to BBC One this Christmas. Mary, Paul, Mel and Sue are the perfect recipe for the festive season.”

The Christmas extravaganza could be the BBC’s big send-off for the show, which is reportedly in talks to move across to ITV.

Earlier this week it was reported that that the team behind the popular programme were in discussions with the rival broadcaster as their contract with the BBC expires at the end of the year.

Last year’s series was the most popular yet, with the final episode drawing in an impressive 15 million viewers.

The Great British Bake Off 2015 - meet the contestants

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