10 things you didn't know about Bake Off's Paul Hollywood
The Great British Bake Off returns on 2nd September at 8pm on Channel 4, bringing wholesome baked goodness to Tuesday nights.
Each week, contestants will face baking challenges set by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. But the big question is: who will earn the coveted Paul Hollywood handshake?
We'll have to wait to find out, but before we do, let's get to know the man behind the hand...
10 interesting facts about Paul Hollywood
- Paul loves motor sports and has competed in numerous GT races across the UK. He also has a known passion for Aston Martins.
- Paul originally trained as a sculptor, but his father persuaded him to join the family business: baking.
- In 2008, he created the most expensive bread in Britain, at the time, for sale in Harrods. According to Sainsbury's Magazine, Paul's Roquefort and almond sourdough was self-proclaimed as the "Rolls-Royce of loaves" – it was £15 a loaf.
- He's just released his sixth recipe book: Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round.
- He always dreamt of becoming a pilot and embarked on a helicopter pilot course in 2023.
- We all know the Hollywood handshake, but the record number of handshakes given by Paul in one season was 12 in season 9 (they have become less frequent in the following seasons).
- Paul is firm friends with celebrity chef James Martin, and James is even the godfather of Paul's son.
- He has travelled extensively through Cyprus, Egypt and Jordan, visiting remote villages, researching ancient techniques in baking.
- He starred in a series (Paul Goes to Hollywood) in which he rode his motorcycle 3000 miles from New York to LA.
- He has Maine Coon cats, one of which, Annabelle, was hit by a car, and subsequently saved by Noel Fitzpatrick, who you might know as The Supervet.
10 things you didn't know about Prue Lieth
Learn ten interesting facts about the iconic Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who's been in the food industry for over sixty years!
Watch the trailer for the new series
If you haven't seen the trailer yet, go and watch it! It's a charming animated trailer with a fun baking/start of the universe theme.
Watch the Bake Off trailer
