The Wirral-born baker who is now a household name

Known for his piercing blue eyes and the "Hollywood handshake" - a rare, high compliment given for exceptional baking - Paul Hollywood first hit our TV screens as a judge on The Great British Bake Off in 2010.

The Wirral-born baker soon became a household name and as the show begins filming for its 17th series, he will be the only original presenter.

Born in Wallasey, Wirral, Hollywood began his career in his teenage years at his father's bakery before later working as head baker at prestigious hotels, including The Dorchester and the Chester Grosvenor.

He became known as the "Simon Cowell of baking" for his no-nonsense judging style, but one former contestant thinks the tough cookie persona may be softening.

"In more recent series, we've seen him kind of loosen up a little bit, engage a bit more, even hug bakers," former contestant Howard Middleton said.

Middleton is best remembered for being the victim of the "custard-gate" incident in Series four which aired in 2013 - where another contestant accidentally used his custard.

The amateur baker from Sheffield said he had initially "expected the worst" when he faced critique by Hollywood.

"I think you think he's going to be super critical but actually, I found him quite constructive and I enjoyed the criticism," he said.

The Great British Bake Off - often just called Bake Off or GBBO - became such a household name it even became a musical stage show.

In 2024 Hollywood was made an MBE for his services to baking and broadcasting.

At the time he said he was "over the moon" and had promised Princess Anne some "Chelsea buns".

The Great British Bake Off will return to screens later this year on Channel 4, and will see Hollywood joined by new judge and TV chef Nigella Lawson, who is replacing Dame Prue Leith after she revealed she was leaving after almost a decade..

Lawson said she was "bubbling with excitement" to join the show.

"The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure – and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it," she said.

"I'm just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come."

Middleton, who has since gone on to write books about baking and also teaches, advised the new contestants on the show to "be yourself and get the basics right".

"Make sure you've got a broad understanding," he said.

"Don't go in with just one string to your bow, like cakes, make sure you've practised every element of baking.

"But also don't worry too much."

He recalled how he had spotted Hollywood spitting out one of his creations off camera.

He said when the praise came it was genuine, even if sprinkled with a little reality TV tension.

"I remember on one occasion, he said, 'Howard, you are normally really good with your flavours'... and then he took a deep breath and said... 'and you've done it again'."

Hollywood and Lawson will be joined by hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

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