Paul Hollywood, the judge of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, has become famous for his handshake, a gesture he uses to show appreciation for a contestant’s work. This has become a significant part of the show for both viewers and participants.
During an appearance on ITV‘s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday, December 29, Paul shared how much attention his handshake has received, even from Hollywood celebrities. He described the reaction as “a bit over the top”.
He told Alan: “For me it was just a ‘well done’. It’s excitement for me – I love baking and when I see something that I like it’s like ‘fantastic, you’ve done a really good job.’ People like the Hollywood stars, Blake Lively, who’s Ryan Reynold’s wife, was doing a bake on her Instagram cc’d me in and said ‘I hope Paul Hollywood likes this and I get a handshake’.”
Paul Hollywood on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh (Image: ITV) He added: “So I sent an emoji of a handshake to her and she came back and repeated it and put it on her site and everyone was like ‘Paul Hollywood’s given you a a handshake’. I just find it all a bit over the top.”
Paul appeared on the Sunday morning show ahead of the second Bake Off festive special, dedicated to Hogmanay, where Scottish favourites will return to the tent. It’s set to be aired on Channel 4, Friday, January 3, reports Wales Online.
Paul with Prue Leith on Bake Off (Image: Channel 4) Discussing his co-judges, he expressed his appreciation for both Prue Leith and predecessor Mary Berry. He shared: “I’m very fond of the two Dames. I found them both unbelievable to work with, they taught me a lot as well and I just love spending time with them.
“The difference I suppose is I’d have a gin with Prue and a glass of white wine with Mary at the end of the day. How lucky am I to spend time with these people because they’re fantastic chefs and I have a lot of respect and time for them.”
Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh is on ITV Sundays at 9.30am and on ITVX
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