Paul Hollywood, renowned for his signature handshake on the Great British Bake Off, has found that his gesture is even being discussed by Hollywood celebrities.
The Channel 4 baking competition judge began offering handshakes as a way to express his admiration for a contestant’s work. This act has since become a key 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, Hollywood shared how actress Blake Lively, wife of Hollywood star and Wrexham FC owner Ryan Reynolds, had mentioned his famous handshake on social media. He described the general reaction as “a bit over the top”.
Paul Hollywood appearing on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh
(Image: ITV)
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He explained to Titchmarsh: “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’.”
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,” reports Wales Online.
Paul with Prue Leith on Bake Off
(Image: Channel 4)
Paul, who is set to appear on Channel 4’s Hogmanay-themed Bake Off special on Friday, January 3, waxed lyrical about his judging experiences with Prue Leith and reminisced about former judge Mary Berry on the Sunday morning programme.
During the show, he commented on how rewarding he finds collaborating with Prue and expressed his admiration for Mary, candidly revealing that there’s little difference in working with the two.
He told viewers: “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