Shorty star Rebekah 'FAMILY IS THE GREATEST GIFT'

All the Great Kiwi Bake Off contestant kneads this festive season is her loved ones- and a perfect pav!

- Leena Tailor

She’s just finished filming Shortland Street’s dramatic cliffhanger and will soon mark her second wedding anniversary with husband Bevan, with whom she’s building her dream family home, but it’s something else that has Rebekah Randell’s voice bubbling over with excitement as she chats to Woman’s Day – Christmas baking!

The 28-year-old actress is combining two of her greatest loves – sweet treats and the festive season – by taking on fellow celebrities, including comedy queen Laura Daniel and former National Party leader Simon Bridges, on The Great Kiwi Bake Off Christmas Special, screening on TVNZ 1 this Thursday.

And she’s got an advantage – this is not Rebekah’s first Yuletide cook-off. She reveals, “Every year, my family has a competition on Labour Weekend to see who can make the heaviest Christmas cake with the most fruit. It’s our big festive tradition.”

But this year’s holiday will be extra-special for Rebekah as she and Bevan will head to Whangamata- to see her beloved parents for the first time since June. Their COVID-mandated separation has reinforced the importance of quality time over material things.

“I love Christmas decorations and the food, but this year’s the least Christmas-y I’ve felt. I haven’t seen my family in a long time, so there’s no gifts – we’re just excited to hang out and share a meal together.”