So, here it is... Mary Christmas
THE Mary Berry effect takes it toll on the celebrity guests in this special – they are all beside themselves with excitement and nerves. Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson makes a mess when trying to separate an egg yolk while Britain’s fastest-ever athlete Dina Asher-smith loses a nail in the shortcrust pastry.
Meanwhile, comedian Joe Lycett, wearing a fetching fried egg jumper, can’t believe his luck when Mary presents him with a recipe to take home.
“Mary actual Berry gave me that recipe,” he gushes.
Although the chances of him making it are slim.
He confesses his Christmas treat to himself is six Weetabix with full fat milk and cream.
The celebs are here for a cookery lesson from the doyenne of baking, surrounded of course by festive lights and decorations.
Mary is patient and encouraging, although she does have a wicked wit, as they whip up dishes including meringue roulade, Limoncello trifle, pan-fried halloumi and chicken and mushroom suet pie.
Even newsreader Huw ‘I never cook’ Edwards finds
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MARY BERRY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY BBC1, 8.30pm (times may vary)
himself getting stuck in.
Once you get over the fact that Huw has lost three stone and barely looks like Huw anymore, you can focus on their impressive pigs in blankets.
The guests also bring their own recipes to the table, in a bid to impress Mary.
Eleanor has her own trick for cooking stuffing. While Joe brings his nan’s recipe for date and walnut loaf, a cake that reminds him of childhood.
“I’ve had a great time with Mary,” says Joe. “What an absolute tonic she is.”