The Great British Bake Off has unveiled an unexpected festive collaboration that looks to be one for the ages: a Peep Show - themed Christmas special bringing together several of the sitcom’s most recognisable cast members.
The announcement arrived via Bake Off's social channels, accompanied by an image of Olivia Colman, David Mitchell, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman in the tent, dressed in Christmas jumpers and aprons as they prepare to take on a selection of seasonal challenges.
As Channel 4 confirmed, this marks the first time since Peep Show concluded in 2015 that these cast members have reunited on screen. The special, titled The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off, will see the group attempt bakes inspired by the series, all under the judges’ scrutiny of Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond will host, adding to the festive atmosphere and sense of nostalgia surrounding the event.
The reaction online was immediately, as some fans might say, very ‘Rainbow Rhythms’.
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One Instagram commenter wrote: "This is going to be the best GBBO episode EVER!!" while another referenced the show directly with: "Baking is like Lego, innit, ingredient Lego.”
There were more nods to Super Hans as well, with a user joking: “What’s in this cake Super Hans? ‘Cocaine Paul, cocaine’.”
On X (formerly Twitter), celebrations were equally hyped, with one post reading: “Merry ChrisMark everyone!” - quoting the episode ‘Seasonal Beatings’, one of the show’s most popular amongst its nine season.
However, after the initial excitement, a recurring complaint began to dominate the discussion. Despite the reunion’s scale, one central figure is missing.
Robert Webb, who portrayed Jeremy 'Jez' Usborne, does not appear in the lineup.
Fans quickly registered the absence. Responses under Bake Off’s announcement included one user saying: “Where's Jeremy?"
Another added: “Amazing! Missing @arobertwebb – hopefully he’s a guest judge instead!”
One observed: “Robert Webb not being there is a definite blow.”
Some attempted to address the omission with humour, asking whether Jez had already been ‘booted out’ while others expressed hopes for a surprise appearance.
As expected from Peep Show fans, many used more of the show’s iconic dialogue to still express their excitement despite Webb’s absense, with quotes such as 'But cauliflower is not traditional!' resurfacing in the comments.
Webb’s absence hasn’t been officially addressed by Channel 4 or his co-stars yet, but anticipation for the special remains high. Social media platforms are filled with extra Peep Show references from ‘Look at clean shirt!’ to ‘We need to create a powerful sense of ganache’, underscoring the sitcom’s enduring cultural presence.
The exact air date of The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off is yet to be confirmed.
Topics: UK Food, TV and Film
Ben Williams