What makes Mel and Sue's partnership extra special?

The pair were both members of Footlights and when they graduated Mel was rejected from every drama school she applied for. So she wrote Sue a letter…

They began writing for Radio 4’s Weekending and then French and Saunders before landing their big break on Channel 4’s Light Lunch.

But it was The Great British Bake Off that turned them into national treasures – even if neither thought it would be a hit when they first signed on…

Neither Sue nor I thought it would work – because it didn’t, on paper. A show about baking? What?!

But work it did, largely thanks to the pair’s pun-tastic partnership.

And Bake Off went on to win numerous awards.

So, what is it that makes Mel and Sue extra special? The magic ingredient that puts them a cut above the rest?

Well to start with, they’re actually great friends.

It’s like a marriage, actually

And no one is better at playing silly…

But don’t let their bravado fool you; there is a lot of thought behind this partnership. And intelligence. Buckets of it.

And while they play up to their personas – Mel as the “ditzy one” with Sue harsher, “more ironic and sardonic”, they stay true to who they are.

It’s important we aren’t made to wear 6in heels. It’s important we don’t look as if we’re from another planet.

When times are rough, they know just how to make it better. With a hug...

...a wise word…

Every second spent crying is a second less showing them how good you are at baking.

Or a wiggle.

Their quick wit is among the best on TV...

Mary: Why shouldn’t a bun be round?

Mel: My buns are round. Always.

And when the opportunity to stuff their mouths with cake arises, they do what we would all do.

Every.

Single.

Time.

Mary, Mel and Sue's Big Christmas Thank You airs on Sunday 24th December at 7pm on BBC1