JAMES MARTIN AND AINSLEY HARRIOT RETURN TO ITV FOR CHRISTMAS

ITV announce special Christmas cookery programmes with James Martin and Ainsley Harriot.

For the first time ever on Christmas Day, James will kick off the nation’s afternoon celebrations in style as he serves up a fantastic feast of festive food and entertainment.

There’ll be a mouth-watering recipe from the Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge, plus The Ritz’s head chef John Williams and Bake Off Creme De La Creme winner Mark Tilling will be treating viewers to some of his deliciously decadent chocolate creations.

Elsewhere, chef Ainsley Harriott is bringing holiday cheer to kitchens with a Christmas edition of his Saturday cooking show - Ainsley’s Festive Food We Love.

There’s festive bubble patties, Thai turkey and coconut broth with chilli, coconut and coriander scones plus chocolate bread and butter pudding with spiced cherries. If that wasn’t enough, he’s got drinks expert Olly Smith on hand to mix up some jolly tipples - including a naughty boozy chocolate milkshake, ‘The Biggins’, made in honour of guest Christopher Biggins. Martine McCutcheon and Brian Turner also join the line-up.