‘We might just eat a Chinese takeaway’

JOHN WHAITE This year, cookery writer and baker John Whaite dreams of escaping.

Christmas at home or away? Paul, my partner of 13 years, and I usually go to his mum’s for breakfast and lunch, and then to my mum’s for late afternoon and evening. This year, though, we’re planning to rent a cabin in Scotland for the two of us and enjoy some much-needed downtime. We might even just eat a Chinese takeaway! Decorations: minimalist or over the top? My mum’s place always looks like there’s been an explosion in a drag queen factory, and I think mine would be the same if it weren’t for Paul being a designer. Everything is very classy; even the baubles match our furniture. What’s your tipple of choice?

Whisky. Paul usually gets me a bottle of Scotch, so I’ll crack it open first thing and have some in a hot chocolate.

What’s your signature dish? Sticky toffee pudding or a tiramisu – or both! What’s your favourite tradition? The annual leftovers sandwich. Inside, there’s turkey, Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire pudding, cranberry sauce and stuffing and, crucially – like on Friends – a piece of bread soaked in gravy in the middle. It’s the best sandwich in the world. Favourite festive memory? We always used to go to the local farm shop [in Lancashire], and make Christingles in the barn, drink mulled wine and enjoy the warm, cosy feeling. What’s top of your Christmas playlist? It has to be Darlene Love’s Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). What’s on your festive TV planner?

We always watch a film on Christmas Eve: Just Friends is a favourite.

Best tip for entertaining? Lots of ambient lamp light; good, quiet music – and keep filling those glasses!

Your Strictly wish? To let myself go, and have given it everything I’ve got.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One