Bake Off brings OAP Scot back for Xmas

SCOTS Bake Off star Norman Calder makes a storming return to the tent in the show’s Christmas specials.

And he admits the invitation came as a shock.

“I was surprised to be asked back – and I think Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood were even more surprised,” says Buckie pensioner Norman.

“I flew down and it was a wee bit of excitement.”

GBBO fans are in for a double festive feast, with two more chances to savour the show on the BBC before its move to Channel 4.

One is the prime tea-time slot on Christmas Day, the other, peak time on Boxing Day.

Each sees former contestants re-enter the famous tent and get their mixing bowls out again.

It’ll be the last time Mary, Paul, Mel Giedrocy and Sue Perkins will be seen all together.

Norman, who made a big impression back in 2014, says the tent held no terrors this time round.

“It felt quite comfortable, not so intimidating as the first time.

“I knew what I was letting myself in for, and this time, it was more of a fun thing.

“Once you get past a certain age, you don’t bother about these things. Some good things come with maturity, but also a few things you don’t want, like arthritis.”

Former Merchant Navy man Norman entertained viewers endlessly during his original appearances. He demonstrated how to do semaphore and was unapologetically old-school with his ingredients, even viewing pesto as exotic.

So, has his baking got any more adventurous?

“No,” laughs Norman, who turns 70 next year. “I have tried, but I prefer the basic stuff – like bread and pies.

“My speciality is savarin cake which I never got to make in Bake Off as I left in week five.”

Since his GBBO appearances Norman has just gone happily about his retirement, but does get recognised in his local supermarket and even gets fan mail from America.

As he reckons he’s actually a better cook than a baker, it’s no surprise that Norman will be on festive food duties.

“We are not that fond of Christmas cake, so I will be making traditional trifle, a pavlova, and a Scots Christmas pudding,” he adds.

“It’s an ancient recipe from my great-grandmother it has raisins, sultanas, suet, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs and a wee drop of whisky.

“I am kind of looking forward to seeing myself on TV. My family are all coming to our house for Christmas, so we can all watch it together.”