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Mary Berry will be joined by Alison Steadman, Zoe Ball and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the kitchen this Christmas
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Television chef Mary Berry has expressed her joy at gathering "old and new friends" for festive cooking as she marks her 90th year.
The BBC1 special, A Mary Berry Christmas, will feature Gavin and Stacey actress Alison Steadman, Radio 2 broadcaster Zoe Ball and Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Mary and Alison previously collaborated when the actress participated in the Great Sport Relief Bake Off for the BBC in 2016. At the time she confessed to being a nervous cook, saying: "It was exciting, but I was very nervous. Just making a cup of tea in a strange kitchen feels like a challenge, so my heart was racing."
Despite her apprehension, Alison thoroughly enjoyed baking alongside fellow celebrities in front of Mary, a former judge on the programme which now broadcasts on Channel 4, and fellow judge Paul Hollywood. Alison, 79, described Mary as being "lovely and kind, even when criticising".
Mary is also acquainted with Zoe Ball, having made several appearances on her former Radio 2 Breakfast show, typically to publicise a new book or television series, reports The Mirror.
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However, she is less acquainted with former Olympic sprinter Harry, who has become a household name as Nitro from Gladiators, and also took part in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, departing the competition several weeks ago after delivering impressive performances with professional dancer Karen Hauer.
As she marks Christmas in her 90th year, Mary tells the Mirror: "I've had so much fun this year cooking with old and new friends for my series and this Christmas special is the icing on the cake. To have Alison, Harry and Zoe join me to make a range of delicious recipes for all kinds of festive occasions is simply joyful."
The programme sees the beloved baker embrace the traditions Britons hold dear at Christmas - from personal family customs to nationwide favourites such as visiting the Christmas lights, attending carol services and selecting the perfect tree.
Mary discusses with her guests what makes Christmas such a special time of year - particularly the food. In Mary's Christmas show, audiences can discover how to prepare mouth-watering seasonal dishes including pigs in blankets cassoulet, roast king mushrooms with chestnut stuffing, a cherry and lemon mille feuille and a spectacular pear and ginger steamed pudding.
Executive producers Kelly Sparks and Karen Ross added: "It wouldn't be Christmas without our Dame Mary Berry and her sparkling recipes. What a joy it's been to film her celebrating the nation's favourite festive traditions with some of our favourite stars."
BBC commissioning editor, Ceri Aston, assured that Mary's fail-safe recipes are sure to captivate the audience. "As always she has neat solutions for a range of Christmas occasions peppered throughout the episode and coupled with her guests, this is a must-see special Christmas treat."
