Paul Hollywood of The Great British Bake Off Admits Difficulty with Judging Process: “They’re So Good”

With the return of season 15 of The Great British Bake Off, veteran judge Paul Hollywood has shared insights into the escalating challenges of evaluating the remarkable talent showcased on the program.

As the bakers display unprecedented skill, Hollywood conveyed his difficulties in making judgment calls during a conversation with TV Times on October 22, stating,

“The decisions become increasingly tough as we progress because there’s very little separating these exceptional bakers. We used to be anxious about whether qualified contestants would apply, but now our concern centers on how to evaluate them. They are all quite skilled from the outset.”

As judges, Hollywood and Prue Leith experience the daunting task of selecting contestants to advance each week, with the competition intensifying. The series continues to be hosted by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond.

Judicial Dynamics on The Great British Bake Off

Moreover, Hollywood reflected on the unique rapport he shares with Leith, which greatly aids them in navigating difficult decisions.

“We have a certain level of telepathy between us,”

he remarked, referring to their unspoken communication during critical judging moments, especially the final Showstopper challenge.

Hollywood illustrated how they often exchange knowing glances that hint at their impending choices. This silent agreement streamlines the judging process, yet the rising skill levels among the bakers complicate their responsibilities.

Prue Leith, who is 84 years old, echoed Hollywood’s thoughts, praising their professional dynamic.

“Paul and I have a great rapport, and he is truly excellent at judging,”

she commented.

Even after years on the program, Leith emphasized that Hollywood remains engaged and never approaches the judging process as mere routine, despite having delivered lines like “the cake is soggy!” for 15 seasons.

The strong bond between the judges proves to be invaluable in the challenging task of determining which bakers progress to the next stage.

Paul Hollywood: Premier Artisan Baker

As one of the leading bakers in the UK, Paul Hollywood has been an integral part of The Great British Bake Off since its inception. Raised in a family devoted to baking, he initially pursued sculpting until his father encouraged him to forge a career in baking.

Hollywood has served in prestigious hotels worldwide, including London’s The Dorchester, which solidified his esteemed status as a master of bread-making. His book, 100 Great Breads, achieved global bestseller status, further establishing his reputation in the culinary field.

Hollywood’s commitment to The Great British Bake Off has been pivotal to the show’s popularity, and he recognizes that the increasing talent of the contestants presents new challenges each season.

Prue Leith: Culinary Authority

Prue Leith, an accomplished chef, restaurateur, and author with extensive experience, joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017. Alongside authoring 12 cookbooks, seven novels, and her autobiography, *Relish: My Life on a Plate*, she founded Leith’s Cookery School, which has helped train countless notable chefs.

Leith’s influence extends well beyond the kitchen; she has participated in various initiatives to enhance food education, including The School Food Trust, where she advocated for elevating the quality of school meals across the UK.

On The Great British Bake Off, Hollywood’s style of judging is complemented by Leith’s expertise, making her a valuable member of the panel.

Although she has hinted at a future departure from the show due to her busy schedule, Leith expressed that she will miss both the baking tent and her colleagues when that time arrives. For the moment, she continues to share her insights with Hollywood, helping to sustain the program’s esteemed reputation.

Fans can catch all the baking excitement every Tuesday by tuning into The Great British Bake Off.

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