Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman has been crowned the champion of The Great British Bake Off's highly-anticipated Peep Show Christmas special. The 51-year-old star, famed for playing Sophie in the cult Channel 4 sitcom, rose to the occasion in the famous tent, defeating four of her former castmates.
A Star-Studded Baking Battle
Colman faced stiff competition from a line-up of beloved Peep Show alumni. Her rivals included series lead David Mitchell (Mark), alongside Matt King (Super Hans), Isy Suttie (Dobby), and Sophie Winkleman (Big Suze). The celebrity bakers aimed to impress veteran judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, with the episode presented by the regular hosting duo of Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.
The special prompted an outpouring of joy from fans online, who took to social media to celebrate Colman's participation. One viewer declared the appearance had "saved Christmas TV," while others called it "perfect" and "all I ever wanted." Some enthusiastic supporters even joked that the actress deserved "17 more Oscars" for recreating a classic scene from the sitcom within the Bake Off tent.
Fan Disappointment and a Festive Surprise
Despite the widespread enthusiasm, the casting announcement initially left some devotees of the show feeling let down. Many noted the absence of two fan-favourite characters: Robert Webb, who played Jeremy "Jez" Usborne, and Paterson Joseph, who portrayed the enigmatic Johnson. Online comments questioned how a Peep Show special could proceed without these integral figures.
However, producers had a festive trick up their sleeve. Although not competing, Robert Webb did make a surprise appearance via a pre-recorded video message, sending Christmas wishes to the contestants and viewers, much to the delight of the audience.
The Legacy of Peep Show and Its Stars
Created by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, Peep Show enjoyed a celebrated run from 2003 to 2015, spanning nine series and 54 episodes. The show focused on the dysfunctional lives of flatmates Mark Corrigan (Mitchell) and Jeremy Usborne (Webb), becoming a defining British comedy of its era.
Since the show ended, its cast have soared to new heights. Olivia Colman's career trajectory has been particularly stellar, featuring acclaimed roles in ITV's Broadchurch and her Academy Award-winning performance in The Favourite. Meanwhile, the iconic double-act of Mitchell and Webb recently returned to television with their first new sketch show in 15 years, Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping, which aired on Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off Christmas special successfully blended the warm, competitive spirit of the baking show with a heavy dose of nostalgia for one of Britain's most cherished sitcoms, proving a winning recipe for holiday viewing.
