It may soon be departing for pastures new at Channel 4, but the BBC is relying on one last ratings hit for the Great British Bake Off, as it places the much-loved show at the heart of its Christmas schedules.

The Great British Bake Off is due to air at 4.45pm on Christmas Day, kicking off an afternoon of classic BBC One programming including Strictly Come Dancing and Call the Midwife.

It may face little fresh competition from its broadcasting rivals, with ITV airing the end of The Lion King, the Disney film, opposite it, while Channel 4 plumps for Raymond Briggs’ classic The Snowman and the Snowdog.