The Celebrity Apprentice has confirmed the cast for its upcoming Christmas specials, with stars of Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders taking part. The two-part event, which is due to air later this year, will also include a franchise first.

Among those confirmed are former Strictly contestants AJ Odudu, Angela Scanlon, JB Gill, Sarah Hadland, Rob Rinder and Tom Skinner, as well as Strictly and EastEnders star Jake Wood.

Also announced are Radio 1 presenter Charlie Hedges, comedians Eddie Kadi and Shazia Mirza, Paralympian and I’m a Celebrity star Kadeena Cox and Gladiators’ Matt Morsia.

The episodes will see the contestants sent to Lapland in two groups and tasked with creating gingerbread biscuits, before marketing them, creating a jingle, and pitching to retailers.

In a show first, their products will be made available to buy publicly, with retailers stocking the creations from 14 November, while money will go to Children in Need.

“It’s the first ever time on The Celebrity Apprentice that the public can buy products that were created by the celebrity candidates,” Lord Alan Sugar said. “It’s added some real pressure to the process.

“I think the celebs thought they were in for an easy ride, but they were wrong! Raising money for BBC Children in Need is serious business, so the candidates really need to deliver if they want to avoid ending up on my naughty list.”

Biscuit Jolly McTrouble was created by the team of AJ, Charlie, Eddie, Jake, Kadeena and Rob, and consists of butter toffee, vanilla and Christmas pudding flavoured festive icing, while the other team – Angela, JB, Matt, Sarah, Shazia and Tom – created Gary the Penguin, which includes lemon, bubble-gum and white pepper.

The episodes also see the stars visit Chickenshed Theatre Trust (which gets funding from Children in Need) to showcase their creations and get feedback.

“The celebrity candidates will be giving viewers a tasty treat or two this Christmas that viewers can literally sink their teeth into, all while supporting the incredible work of BBC Children in Need,” added BBC head of entertainment commissioning Kalpna Patel-Knight.

“Are viewers going to be Team Gary the Penguin or Team Jolly McTrouble? Let the festive boardroom battle begin!”