The Great British Bake Off, or as the brits call it, the Great British Baking Show, is a beloved British baking competition in which amateur bakers face a series of challenges (signature bakes, technical tests, and showstoppers) in a friendly, high-stakes tent as they vie for the title of Britain’s Best Baker.
As of the 2025 (series 16) season, the hosts are Noel Fielding, whose surreal humor and quirky style have brought warmth and levity to the show, and Alison Hammond, known for her joyful energy and heartfelt encouragement.
The judging panel continues with Prue Leith, a culinary expert, restaurateur, and author who brings wisdom and depth to her critiques. And Paul Hollywood, a master baker famous for his exacting standards and a handshake seal of approval.
Paul Hollywood Handshake
This handshake, the Paul Hollywood handshake, has become one of the most coveted forms of praise on the Great British Bake Off. Over the years, this simple gesture has become a legendary badge of honor among bakers. Contestants dream of crafting a bake so exceptional that Paul,
known for his high standards and no-nonsense critiques, extends his hand in approval. The handshake symbolizes not just technical perfection, but a bake that genuinely impresses one of Britain’s toughest judges. Whenever a baker receives one, the tent erupts in excitement, fellow contestants cheer, and the moment often becomes a defining highlight of the season.
The graph above plots all the Paul Hollywoods handshakes by season.
All Paul Hollywood handshakes Graph. Firstly. Secondly. Thirdly. All Paul Hollywood Handshakes Graph. Firstly. Secondly. Thirdly. Great British Baking Show. Great British Bake off. All Paul Hollywood Handshakes Graphs. All Paul Hollywood handshakes Graph. Firstly. Secondly. Thirdly. All Paul Hollywood Handshakes Graph. Firstly. Secondly. Thirdly. Great British Baking Show. Great British Bake off. Firstly. Secondly. Great British Baking Show Graph. Mary Berry.
