(bright festive music) - [Narrator] It's Christmas, (child giggles) and people across the country are getting ready to celebrate.

(mixer whines) (Jack exclaims) - Oh, this recipes hard enough without having to deal with this.

- [Narrator] But if you can't cook- - I'm absolutely terrified.

- [Narrator] Christmas dinner can be a disaster.

- Oh sugar.

- I hope they know how bad we are at cooking.

- Hello.

(bright swing band music) - [Narrator] So thankfully, Dame Mary Berry is coming to the rescue.

- They've asked for help, I'm going to give it.

I don't think you've chopped that too well.

- [Narrator] Teaching a family of hapless cooks- - Never grated chocolate before my life.

- [Mary] Oh, for goodness sake.

- [Narrator] How to make the most important meal of the year- - I do want your aunt and your mum to feel that you've really made an enormous effort.

- [Narrator] With help from celebrity friends- - It's the perfect day for a festive feast.

- [Narrator] Hard work- - Definitely feel the pressure.

- Inside, I'm bricking it.

I am so nervous.

- [Narrator] And a sprinkle a of Christmas magic.

- This is stunning.

- Feel like royalty.

- [Narrator] Can they surprise their loved ones with a festive feast to remember?

- This is Mary's crash course in Christmas.

(bright swing band music) (glasses clink) (people cheer) (sleigh bells jingle) (bright festive music) - [Narrator] This Christmas, Mary Berry is pulling out all the stops.

Sharing her passion for cooking and teaching to make one family's festivities extra special.

- Freddy.

There's a good boy.

- [Narrator] And she's enlisted some help.

- Hello Patrick.

- Hi, Mary.

- Gosh, it's cold out there.

Come in.

- [Narrator] "Great British Sewing Bee's" Patrick Grant.

- Oh, it's just lovely to see you again.

- Hi, Mary.

- [Narrator] And presenter Alex Jones.

- I'm really chuffed to have you both.

- We are delighted to be your helpers, aren't we?

- Delighted to be having a- - Cheers to that.

- Proper Christmas.

- Got the champagne already.

- We have.

- We need to keep a straight head.

- The plan is to help a family that have had a really, really tough time.

They deserve a treat.

So I'm going to teach them to cook a really special festive feast.

They're absolute novices.

They've asked for help, I'm going to give it and let's hope the results are brilliant.

- [Alex] So you are going to teach in the kitchen.

- You know like people have personal trainers, I'm their personal cook.

(Alex laughs) - This is Mary's crash course in Christmas.

- Can you tell us about the family?

- I've got a recording here, if I can work it.

There they are.

(upbeat festive music) - [Narrator] Cousins James, Jack and Leah from Hern Bay in Kent are as close as it gets when it comes to a tight-knit family.

- You two, behave yourselves.

- Yeah.

which one?

(they laugh) - Be good.

Be nice.

(Jack giggles) - [Narrator] Leah is sister to younger brother James.

- I work within the police and I also am a beach lifeguard.

I love helping people and that's why I do the jobs I do.

(snapshot clicks) - Jack is their cousin and partner in crime.

- I would describe myself as a happy go-lucky character, really.

- I always call them the terrible twosome 'cause they're always getting in trouble, always being cheeky and I'm always trying to keep them in check.

- I love Leah.

- [Narrator] One thing they all have in common is their lack of skill when it comes to the kitchen.

- [Leah] This is a bit embarrassing.

This is when I melted the scales on my cooker top.

(James laughs) - An overcooked set of kitchen scales.

- Delicious.

- Jack is gonna be the worst cook.

I can tell you that for certain.

- I once put pizza in the oven and I left the plastic on so I completely ruined the oven.

(they laugh) - That looks dreadful.

- I had to get it professionally cleaned before my parents got back off holiday.

- Did you still eat it?

- Did I eat the pizza?

- Yeah.

- No.

No I didn't.

(James laughs) No, I didn't actually.

I actually ordered one in the end, I think.

(they laugh) - I think you've really got your work cut out for you there, Mary.

(snapshot clicks) (emotional music) - [Narrator] This year, the cousins want to do something special for their mums.

- My Auntie Kaz and my mum are sisters and they're super close.

They're always, always thinking of others.

(snapshot clicks) - It's down to our mums the reason why we've all become so close as we've grown up.

(snapshot clicks) - My mum has multiple sclerosis.

She got that when I was 10 years old.

She trained to be a nurse for the NHS for three years and then she started deteriorating quite badly, and not long after that, she was in a wheelchair so she had to basically stop.

- It's been heartbreaking for my mum seeing her baby sister rapidly decline and struggle to do the things that she used to be able to do.

- [Narrator] Like so many of us, the pandemic forced this close-knit family to become distant.

But frontline jobs and illness meant they haven't all been together again for two years.

- [Leah] It's been a really difficult couple of years for our mums.

- My mum's only been able to see carers, which has been very tough on her.

- I work with a lot of the public all the time, which makes me high risk.

I wanted to shield myself from the vulnerable people in my family.

- I was quite ill last year and I had to go into hospital because I was then classed as being vulnerable.

I couldn't see my mum.

(snapshot clicks) - My sister is my mum's only daughter and they are very close to one another.

And when they haven't had the opportunity to see each other, it's very difficult.

- [Narrator] With Kaz and then Leah considered high risk, the family were unable to be in the same room.

For their mums, it's been hard not having the family around, especially at their favorite time of the year.

- Last year was the first time I didn't spend Christmas with my mum, which was very, very tough of her.

And yeah, it was pretty miserable to be quite honest.

- Spending Christmas apart from everyone, it was completely difficult and it was weird.

It's something that we are not used to as a close family.

- My mum is a really good cook.

She always would make a gammon, stuffing, Christmas pudding.

She'd go all out and make everything from scratch.

- That's probably why we're all still such bad cooks now 'cause we've never had a chance to actually give it a go.

(they chuckle) - [Narrator] So this year, the cousins want to surprise their mums with a Christmas feast they'll never forget.

- This is the first time we're gonna be all together in two years.

So it's gonna be really exciting.

- I want to do this feast for my Auntie Kaz and my mum because I think they're incredible.

They're the most selfless people you'll ever meet.

They'll do anything for anybody.

They really deserve this.

- Two inspirational women.

It's our chance to give something back.

- My mum is so resilient.

The things she does just amazes me from day to day.

She really, really deserves this.

- It's gotta be one to remember.

- Can't wait.

- Looking forward to it.

- It's lovely that they want to do this for their mums.

- I think it's very sweet indeed.

- They're going to keep it as a surprise, but something that they'll all go ooh and ahhh.

and those mums are gonna be so proud.

- And also, it's a reflection on loads of other families, isn't it?

Who haven't been together.

- The most important thing is to have the family around at Christmas time.

- Yes.

- I just love having my chicks all around me and I'm totally content.

- Do you guys play any games at Christmas?

- I have little stickers and I give them for everybody with names on, anything from Queen Victoria.

It's great fun and the children also absolutely love it.

- Well, we do the label game and the more sherry we drink, well, the more competitive it gets.

(they chuckle) - The last Christmas we were all together, I was David Beckham.

- Wow.

- Amazing.

- I mean, I've always thought you had a look of David B about you.

(they laugh) - [Narrator] It's not just fun and games.

Mary has an important job for her helpers.

- Now I've chosen three smashing recipes.

I want to teach them one to one.

I'll do my bit on the cooking.

I want you to be in charge of the extras.

Now, chocolate is very important at Christmas time, I would like you to go and find the very, very best chocolate.

Also, I think they should have really good booze.

Go together, have a taste.

Don't let me down and I want you to come back sober.

- Okay.

- I think that's a challenge we can accept.

- We'll try.

And there you are, you see.

- And there we are.

There's a cue- - That's a cheers.

- For a toast.

- There you go.

- It's up to me to now get teaching.

(bright festive music) (screen wipe whooshes) - [Narrator] With their mums surprise feast fast approaching, Jack, James and Leah are on their way to Mary's house for a crash course in Christmas catering.

- [Leah] Can't wait.

- It's all feeling a bit real now, innit?

- Just a bit, yeah.

- I can't believe we're gonna meet Mary Berry.

- I'm getting a bit scared now, to be quite honest.

- [Narrator] Before they arrive, Mary has some news to share with the kitchen novices.

- Hello James, Jack and Leah, (they chuckle) I hope you are ready for some Christmas cooking.

And we're going to make a very memorable Christmas feast.

- I think we are gonna be cooking something well out of my league, I think.

- One of you is going to be making a first course.

Smoked salmon pate with a wonderful layer of watercress running through the middle.

- [All] Oh.

- How do you cook salmon?

- How do you know it's done?

Sounds so technical for me, mate.

- And for the main course, it's glazed ham with clementines all shiny on top and some sauteed garlic potatoes.

And there's a double mustard sauce to go with it.

- Oh, that's a bit of me, that is.

- And for dessert, we have a dish worthy of any Christmas feast.

I know your mums used to make tiramisu, so we are going to make my tiramisu red fruit trifle.

- That will go down well.

- Yeah, that was always on the table at Christmas, wasn't it?

Growing up.

- Yeah.

- Now I'm excited.

- It certainly was.

- I've got two very special helpers.

- Hello!

How are you?

- Hello.

- Oh, we've heard all about you.

See you very soon.

- See you soon.

- Ooh!

- Oh, I can't wait now.

Oh my gosh.

- There we go.

- I hope they know how bad we are at cooking.

So, we definitely will need their help.

'Course, do you actually think we're gonna pull this off?

- I think we can do it.

- Yeah.

- You think?

- I've got faith.

- I'll give it my best shot.

- [James] It's gonna be a Merry Berry Christmas, that's for sure.

- Yeah.

(they chuckle) (train rumbling) - [Narrator] As the self self-confessed hapless cooks make their way to Mary's for a much needed masterclass, she's got time to start prepping the main.

- I've got a beautiful piece of gammon here.

This is unsmoked, it could be smoked.

And I have a nifty trick that makes it much easier to lift it out of the pan.

Fold a long piece of foil into three and wrap it under the joint.

(foil crinkling) Fold it up and into the pan.

Now it's very important that it fits snugly because I'm going to cook it in orange juice, which gives it a lovely flavor.

(juice glugging) Pour it in.

If it doesn't fit snugly, you'll have to use too much orange juice.

Add three bay leaves and a couple of cinnamon sticks.

Then bring to the boil on the hob.

Allow to simmer for five minutes before popping into a 130 fan oven to cook low and slow for two and a half hours.

I'm ready for my novices to arrive.

(lively festive music) - [Leah] Here we go, boys.

- [Narrator] The cousins have a lot to learn and the feast is just days away.

Can Mary work her Christmas magic?

- Hello!

- Hello.

- So it's James, Jack and Leah.

- Hello.

- That's us.

- Come.

It's cold out there.

- It's very cold.

- It's freezing!

- And we'll go straight to the kitchen.

- Sounds good to me.

- So, last Christmas for all of us was a bit of a disaster, wasn't it?

- Yeah.

- That's right.

Yeah.

It wasn't much of a Christmas at all to be honest.

So it'll make an extra special one this year.

- Well, I've chosen the menu and you've got to choose who's doing what.

- Oh.

Well can I do the dessert please?

(they chuckle) - Yes.

- Who would like to do the ham?

- I would definitely take the ham if that's all right with you guys.

- He's a meat man, aren't you?

- Yeah, I am.

- Well, it looks like I'll do the starter, yeah.

(they laugh) - Are you good on starters?

- No.

No.

I've never made a starter in my life.

- I've got my work cut out teaching him this one.

My salmon and watercress pate looks simply fabulous on a festive table.

But getting those layers right might require some practice at home.

This is special and it's going to wow everybody.

Here's the recipe if you look there.

- Thank you.

- Read it well.

And behind you are some notebooks.

- Get writing.

- If you think there's anything that he will forget, just jot a few notes down.

- Okie doke.

Will do, - I've got a loaf tin here and this is a one pound loaf tin and I'm going to line it with non-stick paper.

It would slip about if I didn't butter the tin.

- I hope you're making notes.

(James laughs) - I am.

- It's going to be turned out.

And in order to have a pretty top to it, I'm going to put little sprig of dill.

Just.

- Four small sprigs of fresh dill.

- "Oh gosh.

Must keep to Mary Berry's recipe."

(they laugh) Using long strips of smoked salmon, we're lining the tin, making sure to overlap each piece so there are no gaps.

- Looking good, Jack.

- Cheers mate.

- You're quite a delicate touch with that.

It looks very good.

- Yeah.

- Then I'm going to put a little bit at the end.

- [Jack] Make sure the whole thing is covered.

- Exactly.

I'd like you to do the middle there because it's gonna be watercress.

If you could just roughly chop that.

I've got a little bunch of dill here.

If you take off the stalks and chop it.

So do you think the mums will like this?

- Absolutely.

Yeah.

- Yeah.

They're gonna absolutely love it.

- This is right up their street, yeah.

- I don't think they can imagine that we are gonna produce anything you're gonna teach us.

It's gonna be one massive surprise.

- Now for the salmon pate filling.

Into a processor and the remaining smoked salmon, I've got 180 of full fat cream cheese.

I'm going to put two teaspoons of hot horseradish.

A tablespoon of lemon juice.

You're gonna be all on your own, so make sure you know what you're doing.

- Yep.

I am taking notes, yeah.

Well these guys are.

- Yeah.

(chuckles) - 100 grams of soft butter and 150 grams of cooked fresh salmon, which are simply baked in foil for 15 minutes in a 160 fan oven.

Season.

(mixer whirs) And then whisk together until it's smooth.

And tell me when you think it's all one color.

(mixer whirs) (Leah chuckles) About that, do you think?

- Yeah, I think so.

- Good judgment.

- Perfect.

- Now for Jack's watercress and dill, I don't think you've chopped that too well.

Look, can you see?

Look at this, big pieces.

- Oh look.

- Come on.

Bit more chopping.

- Let me do it again.

- Chop chop.

- Beautiful.

Mix with three tablespoons of the pate and it's ready to go.

Jack, your mum's been pretty poorly for quite some time.

Has it been difficult for her?

- Yeah.

It's been very difficult for her.

But we are quite a close-knit family, and you know, she gives a lot to other people.

She never asked for anything back.

She was diagnosed with MS a while back now and she lost quite a lot of independence.

So cooking was quite a bit of a passion for her.

So not being able to do that as much anymore is, yeah, it's quite upsetting.

But hopefully, I can make a fantastic meal for her, she's gonna love.

Big Christmas round my house for most years I think, if I can pull this off.

So yeah.

(all laugh) - Well now comes the real test of his skill.

Assembling the pate.

It's patience when you're doing this.

First it's in with half of the salmon pate.

Can you see I was being very careful?

- Yeah.

- I did not get it all the way down the side.

- You alright, Jack?

- Yeah.

Yeah, getting there.

- [Mary] Now for that wonderful bright green mix.

- [James] Does that have to be nice and neat as well, Mary.

- It's got to be nice and neat.

Would you say he's the sort of neat person?

- No.

- No.

- Speak very highly of me, don't they?

(they laugh) - You put in the last one.

- Okie doke.

- For the final layer, top with the remaining pate and smooth out evenly.

He's done all right, I'd say.

- Is it looking neat over there Jack?

- [Jack] I'm giving it a good go.

I'm quite happy with that.

- You're happy with it?

- Yeah.

- Well am I happy with it?

(they laugh) I am happy.

So I'll just do a little bit of it.

You see, carefully folding it over.

Then if you take the paper over like that and press down, because we don't want any air gaps in.

Press it down.

That's absolutely perfect.

Jack, I think you should be jolly proud of that.

Don't you think it's well done?

It needs to be chilled now for a few hours.

So put that in the fridge.

(gentle music) Jack's masterpiece needs at least five hours in the fridge to firm up and then it's ready to serve.

Give it a bang.

Turn it out like that.

Then the paper should help.

- Wow.

- Wow that looks good.

- [Leah] That's amazing.

- See how gentle I'm being.

At the bottom, a sawing action.

Double the amount of salmon 'cause it's the end piece.

- Mary, can I have the end one please?

(Leah chuckles) - He's a bit of a gannet, isn't he?

Jack, it's all yours.

Remember the sawing action.

- Yeah.

It looks so pretty, Mary, I don't wanna ruin it.

Oh.

I'll have this one, guys.

(they chuckle) - [Leah] That's lovely.

I've never had salmon before.

- What you've never had salmon before?

- No, never.

- Brave girl to try it for the first time.

- [Leah] It's actually lovely.

Thank you.

- Mm.

Tip-top.

- Tip-top?

When this is all laid up and your mums walk in, what do you think they'll say?

- I think they'll be shocked.

They'll think that's come out of the packet, probably, wouldn't they?

- Yeah.

- It's brilliant.

- Oh, they'd never believe that I'd make that, ever.

- No.

- No, so.

- And I hope you'll be very proud and it will set you on to enjoying cooking.

- [Jack] Absolutely.

Yeah.

- Yeah.

- Thank you.

- [Mary] So what do you think of that?

- [Jack] I think it's amazing.

- Hard act to follow.

- [Narrator] While Jack basks in the glory of completing his starter, (bright festive music) Mary's celebrity helpers are on a mission to find the perfect chocolates for this family's surprise festive feast.

- [Alex] Ta-da!

- [Patrick] We've come to the right place.

- [Narrator] Get it wrong and it's not only Dame Mary Berry they'll be disappointing, but also two very special mums.

No pressure, guys.

- Would you like to try some?

- Absolutely.

- I think we probably would, wouldn't we?

- Is it an all in situation?

- Yeah.

Go for it.

- [Narrator] Looks like it shouldn't be too much of a challenge.

- Very nice.

- Warm and... Mm.

- We've gotta think now what would Mary like.

We channel Mary.

- [Patrick] I'd be thinking booze.

- Oh, a hundred percent.

- Yeah, Okay.

- Right.

Let's go crunch.

- [Chocolatier] Okay.

- I don't think I've tasted anything like that before.

Ooh.

- Oh, that's really spicy.

- Oh, it's crunchy.

I wasn't expecting that.

Oh they look delicious.

- [Narrator] Can self-confessed cooking catastrophe, Alex, be trusted to give these truffles their festive flourish?

- Oh.

And just let it dribble like a pudding.

Right.

- Okay.

- Don't watch, Patrick, you're making me nervous.

Back off.

Right.

Here we go.

- [Patrick] Oh, that looks good.

- [Chocolatier] That looks good.

That's a perfect one.

- Watch this now.

Have you ever seen a better Christmas truffle?

- [Patrick] I genuinely don't think I have.

- [Narrator] That's one thing ticked off the list.

- [Alex] Best day ever.

(gentle music) - [Narrator] Back at Mary's, there's a small matter of the main course.

- [Mary] James, I'm going to put you through your paces.

- Oh dear.

- [Narrator] And James is taking the reins.

- And he needs to pay attention to pull off this magnificent centerpiece, a scrumptious clementine glazed ham, served with crispy garlic and rosemary potatoes and a double mustard sauce.

You just watch what I'm doing now and you are gonna help me.

- Okay.

- You're not nervous at all, are you?

- No, I'm not nervous.

I'm excited.

I'm buzzing for it.

- The gammon joint has had its two and a half hours in the oven and has been left to cool slightly.

- (strains) God it's... Come on, can you lift that?

Just you see how heavy that is.

- Cor.

It is heavy.

Smells nice.

- Okay, on the board.

It's certainly handy having some extra muscle in the kitchen.

(cheerful festive music) It's lovely and tender.

There it is.

Before this beautiful ham gets its glaze, the skin first needs to be removed and the fat scored.

I'll hold it steady for you.

- Okie doke.

- And this is my arm.

I wish to keep it.

(they chuckle) So just do... Not too far down.

Just into the bottom of the fat.

- [James] Okie doke.

- [Mary] What do you cook then, at home?

- I mean, I am good at beans on toast.

Really good.

If you want me to cook you beans and toast one day, Mary.

- I can't really believe it.

He looks pretty fit on it anyway.

Does he go home to mum?

- (chuckles) Sometimes.

- With the fat scored- If you can move that to the back for the moment, we can get on with making this sticky sweet glaze that makes this ham so sumptuous.

Add four tablespoons of thin cut marmalade into a pan.

I love marmalade.

Add four tablespoons of water and a clementine sliced into discs.

You've really got to show your skills.

Now that knife is very sharp.

Do you think he'll manage it?

I want four slices and we don't use the ends.

- Okay.

- And you go across the grain.

- Yeah.

- I want discs.

- Okay.

- Okay, go on.

(James laughs) - This is your time to shine, mate.

- Right.

While you are doing that, I'm just gonna whisk this up.

(whimsical music) (whisk scraping) Oh, for goodness sake, I said across the grain.

Isn't that sweet?

I meant across in slices so I had discs.

(they laugh) Shall we just pop those to one side.

Right.

Let's do another one.

- [Leah] Another orange.

- How many oranges have we got?

- Nice and neat, even.

It's jolly good that this is a practice run.

Oh that's very, oh very good.

- Perfect.

- Yes.

Now, it's all dissolved.

- Okie doke.

- So I'm going to gently put this in to poach.

So James, are you likely to be on duty on Christmas Day?

- I was last year.

My Christmas consisted of working on the motorway, and eating a burger out of the burger van for my Christmas dinner.

So, different, yeah.

- So this time with a special party will be better.

- Absolutely.

Yeah.

- Yeah, it'd be amazing.

- Now this is very, you can see it's bubbling away here.

(bright festive music) Once poached and glistening, it's time to lift out the clementine slices.

Now look at that lovely shine.

- I bet James's don't look like that.

- Actually, he sliced them rather well.

- Yeah!

(Leah chuckles) - A touch more heat and the glaze is done.

You can see now it's syrupy.

Look.

Watch as it drops.

Whilst James and I finish the ham- That is ready to have its glaze put on.

I've got a brush to do it with.

Jack can make a start preparing the potatoes.

We're not going to do traditional roast potatoes.

We're going to do something a little bit smarter, taking little baby potatoes and cutting them into four slices and roasting them with garlic and rosemary.

- Lovely.

- It's delicious.

Will you supervise them?

- Yeah.

I'll keep an on them.

It's what I always have to do.

(chuckles) - [Jack] Am I to do all of these potatoes?

- You're going to do all the potatoes.

- Looks good.

- Smells good too.

- What makes this ham a real showstopper is adorning the top with clementine slices.

I just hope James is up to the task.

They are slipping off.

Can you put some cocktail sticks just to make them stay still?

Well done.

That's it.

I do want your aunt and your mum to feel that you've really made an enormous effort.

And this is going to look really beautiful.

It'll be shiny.

A sprinkle of demerara sugar for extra crunch.

The lean part of the meat, I don't want it overcooked so I'm going to put a bit of foil around it.

This will all get gloriously brown and we won't overcook the meat.

- Right.

- Right, okay.

- The potatoes just need a drizzle of oil.

Not over me, please.

That's it.

Mind your fingers.

And a bulb of garlic cut in half.

That's perfect.

- Yeah?

- These will all get beautifully soft and at the end, you can squeeze that.

Do you like garlic?

- I love garlic.

- Yeah, I love garlic.

- Then the ham and potatoes cook together for 30 minutes in a 200 fan oven.

We want a nice sauce to go with that.

And so we thought a mustard sauce.

I've got grainy mustard here and I've got Dijon mustard.

We're simply mixing together 400 grams of creme fresh.

That's it.

Two teaspoons of whole grain mustard.

That's a bit generous one, a little bit less.

- Yeah?

- And the same of Dijon.

Salt and pepper, two teaspoons of caster sugar, a little clementine zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice.

And I want you to stir that.

- Yep.

- Give it a good stir.

- You're a dab hand at this, aren't you?

(James chuckles) - Mm.

- Very zesty.

I like that a lot.

(bright music) - [Mary] Sprinkle the potatoes with some chopped rosemary for the last few minutes of their cook.

Then we're ready to serve.

- I'm getting hungry.

- Are you?

- It looks good from here.

- Come on, strong man.

- Oh wow.

- That does look good.

- Lovely.

So let's get carving, Right.

- Wow.

- Gosh, that looks good.

That's beautifully tender.

- [Jack] It looks so good.

- You want to taste, don't you.

- Oh, I can't wait.

- All you want to do is say "hurry up".

(they laugh) There we are.

- I'm gonna need to learn some time, so.

(bright music) How's that?

Lovely.

Thank you.

Let's see how it tastes.

- Mm.

That is amazing.

- That is phenomenal.

Thank you.

(upbeat festive music) - [Narrator] With chocolates under their belts and belts loosened, Alex and Patrick need to ensure the family's feast has plenty of festive tipple.

- [Alex] Hiya!

- [Narrator] But with so much on offer, it's hard to know what Mary would want.

Only one way to find out... - Honestly, that is delicious.

- Yeah.

- That is coming with us.

Oh well, Cheers.

- Chin chin.

- Oh!

- Very crisp.

- [Patrick] Oh it's fiery.

Isn't it?

- Shot after shot of that.

- That's delicious.

(sniffs) I mean that smells like Christmas.

Christmas in my house, we used to get a stocking in the morning and it was always a couple of tangerines.

- Well, Mum still dries oranges, you know, slices in the oven to go on the wreath or whatever.

- Does she?

- And the house smells- - Fresh.

- Like this.

Lovely.

- That's lovely.

- Right.

Grab a basket.

Come on, let's fill it.

Right, here we go.

This is the ginger wine.

Ready?

- Okay.

Start with one of those.

- Oh no, we'll have a couple of those, shall we?

- All right.

- Oh yeah.

This is the one we want.

Irish cream.

- Look out.

- This is the blood orange.

There you go.

Alright, hang on.

Raspberry liquor.

Yes please.

- Okay.

- Okay.

Have you got a credit card?

(dog barking) (gentle music) - [Narrator] Back at Mary's house, and with the one-to-one cooking lessons nearly over, the pressures on Leah to make sure she masters the very special Christmas dessert.

- Tiramisu is a very famous Italian pudding.

We are doing my version and it's a trifle, 'cause you can't have Christmas without trifle.

Two layers of mascarpone mixture, two layers of sponge and coffee and brandy, and a lovely fruity layer.

Then we're going to decorate it on the top and you're gonna do a bit of piping.

Have you ever done any piping?

- No.

(they chuckle) No.

- The first step is to make a lovely red fruit compote.

- [Leah] Okay.

- We're using 500 grams of frozen mixed berries.

Those go into a pan with 50 grams of caster sugar and onto a gentle heat until soft and defrosted.

The main thing of this is to keep the fruit whole.

So we'll keep an eye on that now.

The sponges.

Would you like to cut them in half?

I'm certainly not giving them to James 'cause he would have them in little strips.

- I would.

- I'll just do six to start with, 'cause that will be the first layer.

Can you boys do a bit of grating of chocolate?

- We can do.

- Certainly can.

- It's dark chocolate.

You're doing very well with that.

- [Leah] Thank you.

- So you are quite close to your mum?

- Yeah, we're really close.

- During the pandemic, you were separate of course.

- Yeah, yeah.

So I was, classed as like quite vulnerable so I couldn't see anybody.

That was really difficult.

You know, when you are used to spending time with people, you know, seeing them regularly, not even, you know, just to pop around for a cup of tea.

That was really difficult.

Yeah.

- [Mary] And how long were you apart?

- God, months.

It was months wasn't it?

So yeah, a long time.

Yeah.

Something we're not used to.

- [Mary] This is a very special party so it's really going to cheer them up.

(chocolate grating) - [Leah] You're doing a good effort there.

- [Mary] It takes two to grate chocolate.

- Look at 'em.

- I've never grated chocolate before in my life.

(Leah laughs) I usually just eat it.

- Right.

The fruit's just right.

Bubbling a little bit.

So I want the juice separated from the actual fruit.

We let the fruit go into the sieve.

- It smells good.

- Mm.

- I'm mixing together a heaped tablespoon of cornflour with two tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the glorious ruby red liquid.

Then back onto the heat to thicken up.

Very important to keep stirring until it's smooth.

- Right.

So don't leave it.

- Don't leave it.

Don't answer the door.

(they chuckle) Now, it's really thick now.

Can you see that?

- Yeah.

- [Mary] In goes the fruits and any juice left.

Stir to coat, then leave that to cool.

This is a very indulgent dessert.

And to make it so rich, we are doing a mascarpone layer.

Mix together mascarpone cheese- - 250 Grams.

- [Mary] 600 Mils of double pouring cream.

A little to start with in there.

Six tablespoons of icing sugar and one tablespoon of vanilla extract.

- Okay.

- Press that up.

And then whisk until lovely and thick, adding the remaining cream as you go.

(mixer whirring) You're doing very well.

It can go faster.

(mixer whine intensifies) - Okay, go for it.

Go for it.

(they chuckle) That's just perfect.

Now we are going to come to the sponges here.

The final layer is the trifle sponge, which will be soaked in 450 mil of strong coffee and 40 mils of brandy.

Keep the bottle away from the boys.

- [Leah] Yeah.

- [Mary] It is Christmas after all.

Can you put half of that in there?

Because otherwise we could be left with nothing to soak the rest of the sponges with.

- There.

- You've got this easy.

- Yeah, you've got your work cut out for you here.

- Dip them in like that.

- [Leah] They're going quite soggy.

- We want them soggy.

And you can sort of see from the side whether it goes through.

Now we're going to assemble the layers.

Are you ready?

- Ready.

(bright festive music) - If you push at the end there, if you push that in like that.

That's it.

- What'd you think?

- Looking good.

- Yeah.

- Press the trifle sponges down so they're a beautifully even, flat layer.

You put your third of the cream in the middle to start with.

You want to be able to see that layer of cream all around the edge.

Are you glad you didn't get this job?

- I'm very happy I've got the ham.

- [Mary] Now we need some of the boys' chocolate.

- It smells lovely.

- That's it.

Now sprinkle half the chocolate.

- Okay.

- [Mary] We'll keep some of the top.

- Mary, do you mind if we have some sneaky bit of chocolate?

- Oh you can have a little bit of chocolate.

- [Jack] Go on then.

(chuckles) (gentle music) - Now for that luscious, cooled berry compote.

Try not to mix the layers together because you lose the lovely contrast.

- [Leah] Okay.

- So when the two mums come in, it's got to look beautiful.

That's perfect.

We're just repeating the process with another boozy trifle sponge layer.

- We're nearly there aren't we.

- Just a little corner there as well, but I'm not... (James laughs) - You're absolutely nitpicking, aren't you.

And now the final layer, you use whatever weapons you like.

- Whatever I can get my hands on.

- [Mary] There we are, on with the chocolate.

- [James] Well done.

- [Mary] To give this trifle the wow factor Leah will have to pull out the stops and learn how to pipe.

- Oh no.

- Good luck.

- "Good luck".

(Jame snickers) You be careful, 'cause I might get... - Can we get him to do it?

- I will... We'll just see how you get on.

The remaining cream mixture goes into the bag and we're ready to go.

Keep it upright.

- Yeah.

- Like that.

And then down.

And down.

Look at that.

- Leah!

Well done!

- Go on then.

- You've done this before.

Ain't ya?

(chuckles) - I'm actually really proud.

- Gone on.

Perfect.

Maybe they're a little small and flat, but nevermind.

It's your first effort.

Shall we let the boys.

- Yeah.

- Now do you think you'll get the hang of it?

- Yeah.

I feel I've got this.

- You've got the idea?

(Leah snickers) (Jack laughs) (all giggling) Okay, come on.

- Go on, mate.

- Okay.

Oh, that's awful.

(they chuckle) - Nevermind.

Thank heavens it's Leah in charge of the pudding.

- Thank you.

I'm really pleased with it.

I don't know how I'm gonna do it though without you there.

- You've got us, Leah.

You'll be fine.

- Yeah.

- That's what I'm worried about.

(they laugh) - [Mary] What's the verdict then?

Come on.

- [James] Mm.

- That's amazing.

- That's really, really good.

- I can't believe I've been cooking with Mary Berry.

It's been the most surreal experience of my life and I've loved every second of it.

- The sponge, it's so good.

- I must say today's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

It's something I'll be never forgetting.

- You boys seem to be wolfing it down.

- When Mary Berry tells you off you feel very disappointed in yourself and you make a conscious effort not to do it again.

- Mary makes it look easy.

- She does!

- Yeah.

- She makes it so easy.

- [James] We've got our work cut out for us.

- Pressure's on.

- The pressure is on.

- Sweat and tears comes to mind.

- Yeah.

(they laugh) (owl hoots) (screen wipe whooshes) (sleigh bells jingle) (whimsical festive music) - [Narrator] The feast is fast approaching and it's time for the beginner cooks to practice the recipes without Mary.

They'll be preparing a three course Christmas menu, hoping not only to impress their mums but reunite the whole family after two years apart.

- Greaseproof paper.

I need that.

- [Narrator] Jack is cooking the salmon pate starter.

- Alright, so I've got a brand new mixer.

I've chucked away the instructions and I haven't got a clue how to use it.

And it's stressing me out already.

- [Narrator] To settle their nerves.

Mary has sent them each a message.

- Good luck, Jack.

And don't forget the sprig of dill at the bottom.

So when you turn it out, it looks most impressive.

James, I don't want to see any clementine wedges.

I want neat little slices.

Leah, good luck with that tiramisu trifle.

Follow the directions to get the layers right.

- We've got each other.

- Yeah, yeah.

We've got each other.

We'll be alright.

- Be alright.

- Just gotta chuck a bit of butter on the foil.

Salmon on, chuck it in the oven for 15 minutes.

How hard can it be?

Is that a knob of butter?

- [Narrator] James and Leah are practicing together in Leah's kitchen.

(whimsical festive music) - Right.

Gammon time.

Oh, getting Christmassy.

(Leah chuckles) It's gone absolutely everywhere.

- [Narrator] But James is already taking shortcuts.

- I don't understand why you're just not cutting the corner off.

(dog whines) - [Narrator] Leah has made a start on her dessert.

- [James] That's not looking good.

- Why has it gone so hard?

This is very stressful.

- On a scale of one to 10, how do you think it's going so far?

- Two.

It's not going well.

- Yeah?

- Ah.

Forgot to put salt and pepper on it.

And a bit of dill on top.

Right.

So little bit of dill.

Just like a chef.

A chef that forgot to do it the first time.

Okay.

Okay.

Step one done.

(whimsical festive music) I'm quite happy with that.

My mum would not believe what I'm doing at the moment.

So Mary said no gaps and I've got lots of gaps.

It's looking a bit like that meat dress that Lady Gaga wore.

Yeah.

Apart from that, it's going great.

- [Narrator] It seems the cousins are all experiencing a few wobbles when it comes to following their recipes.

- Do you know what I think's happened?

I've put more caster sugar and I think it's just be icing sugar.

(James gasps) I think it might ruin it.

- [Narrator] To help, Leah's got a guide so she knows what she's aiming for.

- Oh no.

The sponge is coming off the bottom and into the cream that she said don't do.

- Does this make you worried when we're gonna do it for real?

- Yeah.

I'm absolutely terrified.

- So this recipe's hard enough without having to do all this.

"Will not operate unless lid is fully locked."

Okay, that's a good start.

(lid clunking) Think it goes on that way.

(mixer whirs to life) (Jack exclaims) (claps) Come on.

Nice and pink.

Just like Mary said.

Maybe I'm doin' a little bit better than I thought.

(mixer whirring) (whimsical music) - Oh James, that isn't... - Why is this... - James.

- It's not cutting very well at all.

The magic moment.

Here we go.

- Let's see how this has turned out.

- [James] (strains) What d'you reckon?

- It's what I look like in a bikini at the end of an all-inclusive.

(laughs) - The glaze is looking runny.

Looks more like a, like an ale.

- Oh god.

Her glaze definitely didn't look anything like that.

(whimsical music) - Oh, mate, this is a lot more difficult than I actually thought it was gonna be.

Oh, yeah, I forgot the horseradish.

I love horseradish and I'm actually gutted I forgot to put it in.

If I cook like this on the day, I really think I'm gonna be off my mum's Christmas card list.

- Oh sugar.

Hold on.

(they laugh) Oh no.

That looks terrible.

If I do this on the day, then I'm gonna be really disappointed in myself.

'Cause I want this to be amazing.

(whimsical music continues) - Oh no.

Ooh.

It's not quite how Mary done it.

- [James] Okay, let's give it a go.

- Oh my god.

- Really, 'cause I don't actually think it's too bad.

- [Narrator] That's lucky James because you're gonna be eating eating it all week.

- [Leah] Oh dear.

(screen wipe whooshes) (sleigh bells jingle) (bright festive music) - [Narrator] For their festive feast, Mary has organized a magical venue fit for a celebration.

Leeds Castle in Kent.

And after a week of practice cooking and eating tiramisu trifle, James, Jack and Leah are ready to try and pull off a Christmas surprise.

- I can't believe we're here.

- [Narrator] Two weeks ago, their limit was beans on toast.

But today, they will attempt to cook a Christmas feast for 15 people and the guests of honor will be their mums, Alison and Kaz.

- [Jack] I think mum and Auntie Ali, they'll think they're in a dream.

- [Narrator] The mums are totally unaware of what's going on.

They've just been told to arrive at 6:00 PM.

- Okay.

You ready?

- Ready as I'll ever be.

- Alright.

Let's refresh and get going.

- [Jack] Got everything you need?

- No.

(laughs) I feel a bit of pressure.

Just want it to be perfect.

Inside, I'm bricking it.

I am so nervous, but really, really excited.

I'm determined to get my tiramisu perfect.

I just hope the two boys don't screw up again.

- Good luck, mate.

- Yeah.

- All I'm thinking is don't forget the horseradish.

Jack, don't forget the horseradish.

Don't forget the horseradish.

- It's been hard to keep it a secret from my mum.

Every time I see her, I just wanna tell her everything that I've been doing.

Thankfully I could tell her today.

- [Jack] Right, so I'm just gonna weigh everything out.

I think that's what mucked me up last time.

- [Narrator] To succeed, Jack must produce a perfect pate.

James has to cook up a faultless ham, and Leah is in charge of a top-notch tiramisu trifle.

- Obviously Christmas, we just sort of get to enjoy the food.

We just don't realize how much work is involved in it.

You know, it's not a nice relaxing day for my mum normally, clearly.

Right.

Mary said to keep working it as I'm stirring it.

As that went really lumpy last time.

(bright music) - There might be a lot to do, but the cavalry are on their way in the form of Mary and her helpers.

- So, are you feeling Christmassy?

- I think it's the perfect day for a festive feast.

- How have they been getting on with the preparations?

- There were lots of mistakes in the practice, but let's hope they get it right.

It's a little bit more frightening for them today because it's not their own kitchen.

So I think that will be hard for them.

- And the thing is, we have to remember, Mary, they're cooking your recipes.

They're bound to be feeling the pressure.

(dramatic festive music) (switch clicking) - Oh.

Is it on?

Ah, it's not been plugged in.

(giggles) - [Narrator] It's Jack nemesis, the food processor.

(mixer whirring) - There we go.

I'm a bit anxious about getting it done in time.

- 'Cause ours need to go in in the fridge and that for quite a while.

- Set in the fridge, exactly.

- [Leah] So we need to get it done.

- I never thought I'd be doing anything like this.

- [Narrator] Jack has his ingredients right this time, but he's starting to fall behind, as is James.

- [James] Oh, it's quite heavy.

I've taken it slowly, read the recipe correctly.

I'd better get cracking now, ain't I?

(laughs) - [Narrator] Meanwhile, Leah is preparing the layers for her tiramisu trifle.

- I'm looking for small mountains.

(chuckles) We start off slow and then work our way up.

- [Narrator] While the cousins struggle in the kitchen, Mary's keen to make sure the rest of the feast is in order.

- Your task was to go and get some wonderful chocolates.

- So we decided on truffles 'cause you like a truffle, don't you?

- Oh, I do.

And also there's a bit of booze in there.

- Well, exactly.

So I made them into Christmas puddings.

- You made them?

- I know.

Look, they're in this box.

- Yes.

(Alex vocalizes fanfare) Oh, they look special.

- But while we were at the chocolate shop, we thought we could get something nice for Mary.

- Oh good.

What is it?

- Well... Look at this beauty, Mary.

It's a portrait of Patrick and me in chocolate.

Who wouldn't want such a gift?

- My little friends.

My little beavers.

Oh, isn't that lovely?

(Patrick snickering) Actually, I do think it looks like you, Alex.

- It does.

- I mean, Patrick, I'm not too sure about your beard.

I'm very touched that you should think of that.

Patrick, I asked you to go and find some drink for this festive occasion.

How did you get on?

- Well Mary, we went one step further.

- Goodness gracious.

- [Patrick] We've bejazzled you a gigantic bottle of fizz.

Look, "Mary Berry's Festive Feast.

- Yes.

- There it is.

We spared no expense on the glitter.

I mean this is doubled dipped.

- And it's sparkly and I can't wait to open it.

Nice and cold please.

- [Alex] You'd need a heck of a fridge to put that in.

- Luckily, we've got a castle sized kitchen.

- [Alex] So we are all right.

(dramatic festive music) - [Narrator] But the novice cooks will need more than a big kitchen if they are to pull off the most important meal of the year.

- [Jack] The pressure is raising, definitely.

This is where we want it to be spot on.

Mary makes these things look very, very easy.

When you're actually doing it, it is not as easy as it looks.

So... - Right.

I think chocolate is done.

- [Narrator] With things starting to heat up in the kitchen, Mary and her helpers have arrived at Leeds Castle to provide support.

- Hello Mary.

- Hello.

How are things?

- Not too bad.

- Hi.

- [Patrick] Everybody's busy.

Hello.

- I'm going to see how Jack is.

- Okay.

- Right.

Oh.

Can I see what you're doing.

- [Mary] Right Jack, this is the real thing.

How's it going?

- [Jack] It is stressful.

- [Mary] It looks as though you're doing the right thing.

- It feels it.

- You had a bit of a trouble when you were doing it in practice.

- Yeah, just a little bit.

Yeah.

- The horseradish.

- I forgot the horseradish.

- [Mary] Well, that looks pretty good.

You've got the watercress layer there.

- Yep.

The last bit, yeah.

- [Mary] And the actual consistency looks good.

- [Narrator] The pate might be taking shape but he's running so far behind, he won't have time to chill it.

- It's a good idea to have chilled it for five hours, - Correct.

- But in fact, you are not going to be able to do that.

So pop it in the freezer.

- Yes.

- Which will really firm it up.

Well I'm going to leave you and see how the others are getting on.

- Thanks Mary.

- But get a move on 'cause it's got to get chilled.

- (chuckles) Will do.

- [Narrator] While Jack is racing to get his pate set, James is trying to create a sticky glaze.

Something he failed to do at home.

- James, how's it going?

- Because it's all very last minute, it is a bit of pressure.

- [Mary] You've managed to get beautiful rounds.

- Are you impressed with it?

- I am impressed.

Well, you'll have no mistakes.

- And no mistakes allowed this time.

(dramatic festive music) - [Narrator] With the guests due to arrive any minute, Mary has tasked Patrick with making sure the dining room is fit for a very special festive feast.

Meanwhile, Alex is on hand to help Leah with the layering up of her tiramisu trifle.

- [Alex] Look.

These look nice, don't they?

- [Leah] Yeah.

- Can you just... - Oh.

I'll just cook another one.

- Oh sorry.

(they laugh) - They're really nice, aren't they?

- They're good.

Yeah, yeah.

- Very nice.

I mean, what I haven't told you, I'm kind of his level.

You know, beans on toast.

- Oh no.

- Yeah.

(James laughs) - And I was really grateful for your help until you told me you have no cooking skills.

- No, I mean it's just, you know, it's me on a thing.

So does this now go in here?

- No, no.

No more brandy.

- But a little drop, is it?

- It's not on Mary's recipe.

- Right, it's not on Mary's recipe.

Don't do it.

If it's not on the recipe, don't do it.

Right okay.

- So all of that can go on.

- Okay.

All of it?

- Oh, no, no, no, no.

Sorry.

- Oh, sorry.

What?

What?

- No it's not.

I forgot to add the chocolate.

(Alex laughs) Let me read... (dramatic music) (owl hoots) - [Narrator] Any mistakes now could put their night in jeopardy as the guests have already arrived.

- Have you done much piping before?

- Just realized the time.

Bit of a rush now, coming to the end.

Definitely feel the pressure.

- We do have a time that we're going to eat.

- [James] So, let's go.

- I'm worried.

- Got to move on.

(dramatic music continues) - [Jack] I don't actually know until it turns over.

- [Leah] I'll go pop it in the fridge.

- I guess we just have to wait and see.

(screen wipe whooshes) (sleigh bells jingle) (excited music) - [Narrator] After two weeks of hard work, the big moment is finally here.

- Isn't this lovely?

- [Narrator] And after two long years of separation, it's time to surprise the unsuspecting guests of honor.

- Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Kaz and Alison.

(all applaud and cheer) Come in.

Come in.

- [Patrick] Come through.

- [Alex] This... Everybody here!

Look, all your family.

- I recognize you.

- They kept that all secret.

- How did you manage that?

- We've got a superb feast set up for you.

- Wow.

(chuckles nervously) (gentle music) - Oh my God.

I can't believe this.

This is a dream come true, isn't it?

And Rachel.

Oh my God.

And there's Mian.

(family chuckling) Paul.

- Well, your wonderful children thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get you all back together.

And they have made everything that you are gonna be eating as well this evening.

- Oh no.

(all laugh) - Honestly... - You look... Is that a good thing?

- It was going so well.

(they laugh) - Let's get them through with the dishes that they've prepared so carefully for you.

Chefs, Come on in please.

(all cheer and applaud) (emotional music) - [Jack] Hello, Mum, you alright?

Here you go.

- You look so smart.

- Oh, yeah.

Cheers Mum.

(they chuckle) - Lovely.

So what do you think then?

I mean obviously the proof is in the tasting, but it looks superb, doesn't it?

- Yeah.

Have you done that here?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- Really, the whole lot?

- Now this is the thing though.

They haven't got that much form in the kitchen before now, and it's because they've had a very, very special teacher.

And she is of course, none other than Dame Mary Berry.

- Oh!

(all applaud) (gentle music) (all cheer) Oh my god.

I watch all your programs.

(all laugh) - Alison and Kaz, I think, I think you're going to be very, very proud.

I am.

But they have done wonders, all for you.

- Oh.

- This is amazing.

I can't believe it.

(emotional music) - Last year was extremely tough for all of us and so we just wanted to say thank you.

- So Mum, Auntie Kaz, this is a massive surprise in that us three have put together just for you.

- Ever since I can remember, you just made Christmases so special for the whole family and you know, it's our turn to do something for you two and you deserve it, so yeah.

(all applaud) - Don't they look gorgeous.

Have you ever seen them scrubbed up?

- No, I know, they do!

Look at James in his bow tie.

(they chuckle) - [Narrator] Before the feast can begin, there is just one thing Mary is keen to see.

- I think we should check the pate.

It looks so professional.

- After you, mate.

- Well, I did make it, so.

(they laugh) - [Alex] It looks so good.

- Let's just have a... - Oh you did it, Jack.

- This is the one I done, Mum.

Let's give this a go.

Okay.

Just how Mary taught me, nice and slow.

- Sawing action, very gently.

- Mary did say whoever gets the end bit is lucky 'cause they get most of the salmon.

- That's it.

- There we go.

So if I just pop that there... (all exclaim enthusiastically) (all applaud) I'm happy with that.

Whew!

Right.

I can have a drink now.

(laughs) - Did you do all of that?

- Yeah.

(chuckles) I told you she wouldn't believe me.

- No.

- Are you surprised?

- Just so grateful and ugh, I got, we've just got such a lovely family.

- Overwhelming, innit, Ali.

- We really have.

- Don't cry.

- Don't start me off.

- Aw Mum.

- Aw, I'm so lucky.

- [Kaz] I can't believe it.

- I think that's sheer perfection and you should be very, very proud.

- Thank you.

- You may not believe that they did it, but I've got the proof here so you can see that it hasn't all been good.

So can I pass down to you?

- [Narrator] Mary has put together a memento of their experience, filled with family photos and pictures of their time together.

(bright music) - Oh, I'll treasure this.

It is just... (chuckles) Overwhelming, isn't it?

- Like a dream.

- Merry Christmas everybody.

- [All] Merry Christmas.

- Thank you.

(bright music) - [Narrator] With the party off to a fantastic start, Mary and her helpers work is done and it's time for the family to get stuck in.

- Yeah.

Love it.

- Thank you.

- It's like a banquet, isn't it.

- You've done so good, Jack.

- Honestly, mate, tip-top.

- Yeah.

- No, tip-top.

- Cheers, boy.

To see the smile on my auntie and my mum's face.

It's just been, it's been fantastic.

We're having a laugh.

Having some good food that we made.

It's mental.

(chuckles) This is just literally what Christmas is about.

I'll give you the recipe.

- Don't think you ever thought you'd hear Jack say that, did you?

(they laugh) - I have enjoyed cooking.

I think it's something I will do a lot more now.

And that was all for you.

All of it, 'cause you deserve it.

(kiss smacks) - Aw, Thank you Jack.

(bright festive music) (owl hoots) - [Narrator] Mary and her helpers can start the journey home, safe in the knowledge it's a job well done.

Leaving the cousins to their family time.

- Well who would've believed it?

Three novices making this festive meal for their mums.

And on the day, they remembered everything and it looked so professional.

- It really did.

It's been fun being your helper, honestly.

- The pub, come on.

- The pub.

- Off we go.

- Right, pub.

(upbeat festive music) - [James] I take it we're all pretty peckish.

- Yeah.

(they chuckle) - [Narrator] With the feast in full swing, James is serving his ham.

- Oh, now it's the magic moment, carving time.

- No pressure.

- No pressure.

- [Leah] Oh, well done.

- This is a moment I will cherish.

I was apprehensive about it.

- It's incredible.

- It's awesome, mate.

- I'm well chuffed with it.

I think Mary's impressed as well.

So what more could I ask for?

- Mm.

That's lovely.

- Yeah?

- Mm.

- Will you be expecting it every year now?

- That is delicious.

- Thank you.

- Are you shocked, mum?

- Mm.

(upbeat festive music) - It's really nice, innit, Al?

- It's lovely.

- So fortunate to get our whole family in one room.

I think my mum and Auntie Kaz are overwhelmed.

- [Leah] Yeah.

- It literally is the best Christmas of all time.

(bright festive music) - Pudding.

(chuckles) - [Leah] Hope you enjoy.

- Lea, it looks great.

- This reminds me of Christmas time.

- It's lovely.

Well done.

- Thank you.

It's just been an incredible experience.

- I can taste the brandy.

- Can you?

When they process everything that's happened today, they still won't believe it, I don't think.

- Do you think those chocolates are real?

- Course they're real!

- She kept saying they were fake.

- You do know you at Mary Berry's table?

Everything's real, mate.

(they laugh) - Everybody, I'd just like to propose a toast to Jack, James and Leah.

I can't believe it.

You've just done amazingly well and we're so proud of you all.

- It's been the best evening ever, innit Al?

- It has.

We'll never forget it, never.

So... - [All] Cheers!

- Cheers to you.

(glasses clink) - Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

- Cheers, guys.

(glasses clink) - [Leah] You alright, Mum?

(Alison chuckles softly) (lively folk music) - For us to be together, it just means the world.

I can't believe the children have done this for us.

Cooking with Mary Berry, well, that's a dream, isn't it?

A dream come true.

- This has just topped any Christmas we could ever have.

We'll treasure this forever.

- Yeah.

- Same time next year?

- Yeah.

(laughs) - Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, - Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

(laughs) (all cheer and applaud) - Happy Christmas to you both.

- [Patrick] Happy Christmas.

- And thanks for all your help, both of you.

- Happy Christmas.

- It's made it fun.

- I've got a game for us, okay.

- Have you?

- Yeah.

Mary, are you ready?

- I am and my eyes are shut.

- Okay, don't have a look.

Okay, here we go.

- All right.

- There you go.

- Male or female?

(Patrick laughs) - Female.

- Present or past?

Ooh.

It's sticking.

- Present.

- I'll give you a clue.

- Is it a good clue?

- It's a good clue.

Okay.

This should give it away, but it depends on how many of these we've had.

- Yes.

- All I want for Christmas is you.

- Well, you can have me, I'm free.

(they laugh) (upbeat festive music) (upbeat festive music continues) (upbeat festive music continues) (no audio)