The Great British Baking Show: Holidays returns to Netflix today, transforming the beloved Bake Off tent into a magical winter scene. Over the years, this festive special has featured fan favorites and even the cast of Derry Girls. For the 2025 edition, Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Noel Fielding, and Alison Hammond welcome stars from classic British soap operas alongside six Scottish bakers to join in the festive fun.

If the faces in this year’s Christmas-themed episode of The Great British Baking Show: Holidays seem unfamiliar, it might be because you’re not tuned into British soap operas such as EastEnders or Emmerdale. Here’s the lineup for this year’s The Great British Baking Show: Holidays Christmas episode.

• Chris Bisson, aka Jai Sharma on Emmerdale (2009-now) and Vikram Desai on Coronation Street (1999-2002)
• Natalie Cassidy, aka Sonia Fowler on EastEnders (off/on from 1993-2025)
• Dean Gaffney, aka Robbie Jackson on EastEnders (off/on from 1993-2019)
• Shobna Gulati, aka Sunita Alahan on Coronation Street (2001-2013)
• Sheree Murphy, aka Tricia Dingle on Emmerdale (1998-2004) and Eva Strong on Hollyoaks (2010-2011)

For those not particularly fond of soap operas but eager to catch up with favorite past Star Bakers, the “Festive” episode is a must-watch. Traditionally aired around New Year, it features returning contestants in a celebratory showdown.

This year’s Festive episode of The Great British Baking Show: Holidays embraces a Scottish theme in tribute to the nation’s cherished Hogmanay celebration. Returning to the tent are Scottish bakers Lea Harris (Season 1), James Morton (Season 3), Norman Calder (Season 5), Kevin Flynn (Season 13), and Nicky Laceby (Season 14). The standout participant is Peter Sawkins, the Season 11 champion and the youngest winner to date, who gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, grab a comforting cup of tea or hot chocolate, snuggle up under a blanket, and let The Great British Baking Show: Holidays whisk you away into the holiday spirit.

So pour yourself a warm cuppa or a cozy mug of cocoa, huddle under the covers, and let The Great British Baking Show: Holidays get you in the festive spirit.