Mary Berry teams up with James Martin in new show

Well now, don’t James Martin and Mary Berry make a nice pair of presenters?

The Bake Off judge has teamed up with the former Saturday Kitchen host for a seasonal special called James Martin’s Christmas with Friends - and it’s got us all wondering whether James isn’t the perfect replacement for Paul Hollywood if the Beeb decides to make that Bake Off-style show with Mel, Sue and Mary.

The two 60-minute specials will see James invite viewers to join him around the roaring fire for the build-up to Christmas. In each episode, he’ll create four festive recipes along with celebrity and cheffy friends, including Mary.

You can catch the show on Food Network on Monday 14 and 21 November at 9pm. Mary’s in the first episode.

It’s not the only good news for Mary Berry fans this Christmas. She’ll be back alongside Paul Hollywood with presenters Mel and Sue for not one but TWO Bake Off specials later in the year.

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

Of course, given that the BBC has previously announced that a Celebrity Comic Relief Bake Off won’t go ahead, the Christmas specials will be the last time we see the show on our screens in it’s current guise.

Definitely worth tuning in for.