The Great British Bake Off judges Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood have opened up about their judging roles on the popular Channel 4 show and how they’re perceived by viewers
Prue Leith has jumped to the defence of her co-star, Paul Hollywood(Image: Channel 4)
Prue Leith has leapt to the defence of her fellow judge, Paul Hollywood, over his so-called “horrible” image on The Great British Bake Off. Speaking from the iconic tent at Welford Park in Berkshire, the Bake Off judges shed light on their roles and how they’re seen by fans of the Channel 4 programme.
Prue, a South African-born restaurateur, pointed out that they’re perceived quite differently by the public, with her being seen as “kind” and Paul as “horrible”, but when it comes down to the brass tacks of scoring, they’re pretty similar.
The chef disclosed that their chat about the bakes in Cake Corner is generally to “inform and remind” the viewers, as, in reality, Prue and Paul could “do it in two seconds”.
Prue told Radio Times magazine: “The audience often say that I’m kind and Paul’s horrible, but if you look at our scores out of 10, we’re never more than one point apart. I think I’ve given one 10 in nine years… I can’t remember to who though!”.
She continued: “I used to say, ‘It’s not worth the calories’. That is my absolute judgment about any baking, because you know it’s full of fat and sugar, so: ‘Do I really want to eat this? Am I prepared to get fat?'”
However, it appears Prue had a change of heart regarding this particular remark, as people would say they “felt judged” for enjoying cake and thought she was being “fattist”.
Paul stated: “I’ve never given a 10, only a 9.5. A handshake is very close to a 10. These are amateur bakers, but if they get a handshake from me, it means it’s very professional.”
Prue added that Paul often claims he won’t be giving out any handshakes, but inevitably his hand will “come out” when a bake is so impressive that he “can’t resist”. She also mentioned the idea of her own version, the “Prue pat”.
In other developments, Paul, who has been on the show since 2010, reportedly showed a different side away from the cameras. Briony May Williams, who came fourth in the 2018 series, broke down in tears when “every element” of her showstopper went awry.
On the show, the chef labelled her creation “a disaster” as she “overcooked” the mirror glaze and was unfortunately left with uncooked pastry. However, Paul’s off-camera actions revealed a gentler side.
She disclosed: “I never got a [Paul Hollywood] handshake. I did, however, get a Hollywood hug off-camera when I was really upset about my cake on Cake Week, my showstopper, because it was really bad.
“I was upset, I was sat on my bench crying and I realised someone was stood behind me and I turned around and it was Paul.
“He gave me a really big hug and he said, ‘It’s okay it’s only a f*****g cake’. And yeah, that just really made me laugh.”
You can catch The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Channel 4 on Friday, October 24, from 8pm to 9pm.
Lesley’s time in the Bake Off tent came to an end after a tough meringue-themed week saw her struggle to impress the judges and become the seventh contestant to leave the competition
22:58, 14 Oct 2025Updated 23:01, 14 Oct 2025
Bake Off fans fume as popular baker becomes seventh contestant to leave show(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
Hairdresser Lesley has become the seventh baker to be eliminated from The Great British Bake Off after struggling during the show’s first-ever meringue-themed week.
In Tuesday night’s episode, the remaining contestants were faced with three demanding challenges designed to test their precision and patience.
For the signature bake, they were asked to create mini meringue tarts, followed by a classic yet notoriously tricky soufflé in the technical round.
Finally, the showstopper challenge required the bakers to produce a visually impressive meringue ice cream cake – a task that pushed even the most confident contestants to their limits.
Despite her best efforts, Lesley’s bakes failed to impress the judges, and she was told by co-host Alison Hammond that her time in the tent had come to an end.
Business development executive Toby, meanwhile, was named star baker by presenter Noel Fielding after delivering consistently strong results across all three challenges.
Lesley, 59, from Kent, admitted she had expected her departure. “Do you know what, I knew it was coming,” she said.
“It’s like ripping the plaster off! Thanks so much for the experience, it has been amazing. I couldn’t get my meringue right and had resigned myself to the fact I’d be going. But I’m proud that I made it to week seven. The other bakers gave me a massive cuddle, which meant the world.”
Judge Dame Prue Leith praised Lesley for her enthusiasm and warmth throughout the competition. “I’m really sorry to see Lesley go,” she said.
“She’s a remarkable woman and, in a way, she’s my ideal baker – she’s just really having a good time. That’s what Bake Off is all about.”
Following her exit, Lesley reflected on how much she had gained from her time in the famous tent. “I think I’ve grown as a person and feel more confident in myself and my abilities,” she said.
“I’ve learned new skills, trusted my gut feeling, and realised you need to step through fear and take yourself out of your comfort zone, that’s how you grow. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Having baked since the age of ten, Lesley said her highlight on the show was “winning the technical in chocolate week.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to open a small baking school, run a “cake shed” where people can buy homemade treats, and write a cookbook inspired by her late grandmother’s traditional recipes.
Lesley will appear on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice with Jo Brand and Tom Allen on Friday, October 17, at 8pm on Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off star Iain Ross has been a firm fan favourite on the Channel 4 baking show, but some viewers have only just noticed one thing about him
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
15:06, 14 Oct 2025
Bake Off fans have ‘worked out who Iain’s lookalike is’(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
The beloved Channel 4 programme The Great British Bake Off has returned to our television screens as hopeful contestants compete to claim the title of Britain’s finest amateur baker, with Iain Ross, from County Derry, Northern Ireland, already capturing the hearts of countless viewers. Yet some are only now cottoning on to exactly who the 29-year-old software engineer bears a striking resemblance to.
Iain, who harbours a passion for live music alongside his sourdough obsession, originally had zero intentions of gracing the show with his presence, but when his girlfriend Dervla refused to accept defeat, he eventually submitted his application. Channel 4 audiences are undoubtedly thrilled he did, with legions branding him ‘adorable’ across social media platforms.
However, others are now spotting another fascinating detail about him – his uncanny likeness to a particular children’s television character.
Which character might that be, you wonder? None other than Sir Gadabout from the beloved children’s tale Zog, which has since been transformed into an animated BBC production.
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A viewer named Katie recently took to X to highlight the remarkable similarity, penning: “For weeks I’ve struggled to think of who Iain reminds me of and it took my son wearing his Zog pyjamas for me to finally realise that it’s Sir Gadabout. #GBBO.”
Clearly, numerous others shared her observation, as the post accumulated over 66,000 views alongside thousands of likes.
One individual responded: “Thank you. I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing!”.
Meanwhile, another chimed in: “Oh my goodness! Absolutely nailed it!”
A third chimed in: “Thank you, I’ve been so confused why he looked so familiar,” while a fourth said: “You are not wrong!”
A further fan exclaimed: “It’s literally him,” while another simply concurred: “Yes!”
Speaking about securing his spot on the programme, Iain told Radio Times: “Every step of the way I kept it a secret from everyone apart from Dervla, I didn’t think I’d make it to the following stage and I didn’t want to let anyone down.
“Then when I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen.”
He added: “I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn’t actually on the show!”.
“I was in the office at work and had to go out to the foyer to take the call and speak in code, everyone who was walking past heading to the toilet looked very concerned and confused.”
Iain, who lives in Belfast with Dervla and their cat Victor, disclosed on the programme that he was planning to pop the question to her, and has since announced on his social media pages that she said yes.
His heartfelt post featured Dervla flaunting a dazzling ring with Crawfordsburn waterfall in Northern Ireland as the stunning backdrop.
Captioning the snap, he penned: “Don’t suppose you know anyone who can make a decent wedding cake?”
He then added: “A picture at this waterfall every year for the past 8 years, and a special lil one to complete the frame.”
The Great British Bake Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror recently about what it’s like to compete on the show, including sharing his thoughts on Alison Hammond
Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror about the Channel 4 show earlier this week
Dr Josh Smalley has revealed what it was like filming the Great British Bake Off. The former contestant, who was a finalist on the Channel 4 show in 2023, shared behind-the-scenes details in an interview with the Mirror this week.
The chemistry researcher and science communicator, 29, competed on the fourteenth series of the show, which aired two years ago. He made it to the final of the baking contest after impressing the judges and was declared a runner-up, with Matty Edgell taking home the trophy instead.
Josh reflected on his experience in the iconic tent in an interview with us earlier this week, ahead of him delivering a talk at the New Scientist Live festival next month. He spoke about the two hosts of Bake Off, the hardest aspect of competing and revealed what happens to leftover cakes.
Josh, who said that he had applied for Bake Off as an opportunity to “challenge” himself, described taking part in the show as the “best experience”. The baker told us that he had dreamed of being on it but never thought he would.
He said that the twelve contestants, who have stayed in touch since filming ended, “instantly just got on”. Josh said that they met at their hotel prior to the first challenge but they only saw judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith “just before the first bake,” which he found to be “quite scary”.
Josh said about the competition: “The saddest part every week was that somebody was gonna have to go home.” He added: “You wanted everybody to do well, because you could see these incredible things coming together all around you. You just want everyone to do their best.”
Asked if he was surprised by any aspect of filming, Josh, who said he had watched the show since it began in 2010, teased that he had expected there to be more time for baking than the deadline viewers are told about. After suggesting that he had thought there to be a “quick break,” he said: “Nope, it’s 2 hours, that’s it!” He added: “It was very strict on that. So you don’t get extra time.”
He later said that the time limits are the “real challenge” for contestants. Josh told us: “All of the bakers on every series, if given unlimited time to make what they wanted to make … they would make an incredible bake. The real challenge is being able to squash all that into 2 hours.”
Speaking about the “stress” and temperature in the tent, he said: “There’s a lot of stressful moments as well [as the fun]. When you’re having to remake something for the third time because it’s not worked right it’s quite stressful.”
Josh also mentioned being critiqued in person by Paul and Prue. He said: “The pressure of having your food judged and being literally nose-to-nose with [the judges] as they dive into it and taste it, and then you’ve got to hear their instant feedback – that was a bit nervy as well.”
Discussing what happens to the leftover bakes that aren’t eaten by the judges, he said: “After a long day’s filming, and there’s a very hungry crew, and bakers, it soon disappears. Don’t worry about that. There’s no wastage at all.”
Josh added that he was keen to try his co-stars’ bakes after hearing any positive feedback from the judges. Speaking about trying each other’s cakes, he said: “We all got a piece of it brought afterwards so we got to try bits of it.”
He continued: “The majority of the bakes on the show are sweet [though], so there comes a point with all the practising as well, where you’ve just … you’re sort of sick of eating cake because you can’t take any more sugar.” He added that any savoury challenges, like bread week, were “the best”.
“They were the best ones because just like you were craving savoury,” he told us. Josh added: “So once it was one of those ones we just … we would all dive in and eat it all.”
Josh appeared on the first Bake Off series co-hosted by Alison Hammond, with her having joined Noel Fielding that year. He said: “She was incredible. She was so lovely and I think [together] they just bounce off each other.”
He said that Alison and Noel had a “great chemistry,” before saying: “I loved it when they came round. They always would come round at the worst time possible, deliberately so.” Josh added that Alison was a “welcomed addition” to the show and that she was on hand to “encourage” the bakers.
Since competing on the show, Josh has remained in the science field, with him now a postdoctoral research associate and science communication champion at the University of Leicester. He also founded the Science Kitchen, described as a “pioneering on-campus kitchen and laboratory” that provides a platform “to educate, entertain, and inspire,” at the university.
Discussing his decision to remain in that industry, he said: “I just thought that it would be an amazing opportunity to try and use the platform of the Bake Off to be able to do what I’ve always done and just do it on another scale up. […] Now, I get to blend my two passions of the baking and the chemistry, and I get to go and do all sorts of online videos, and shows and talks all the way round the country and get to educate the public and young audiences all about science and baking, and hopefully make science, chemistry in particular, interesting, engaging, accessible but through the means of food, which we all love.”
He’s now preparing for a talk at New Scientist Live, which promises “talks, immersive exhibitions and boundary-pushing science experiences” at ExCeL, London, next month. Josh said that the event will have “an amazing array of speakers”.
Teasing his talk, the Spooktacular Science of Baking, which is being held on October 19, Josh said that it will feature a vomiting pumpkin and chemical reaction display. There will also be bakes and chemistry demostrations. Josh added: “Delving into and close up as to what’s actually going on in our bakes.”
Speaking about baking, he said: “You just follow the recipe and then you get the result at the end.” He added about introducing the science behind it: “You just see people’s reaction to actually then think, something that they have made or been doing for years and years and years, suddenly now someone has told them actually why we do that.”
He gave examples such as why a recipe may require room temperature butter or ingredients being used in a certain order. Josh said: “It’s really fun to be able to actually explain, from a chemistry point of view, what’s actually happening there.”
Further promoting his talk, he said: “We know we all love to be in the kitchen, either eating what we’ve made, or having a go and playing around experimenting. So if you like food, and you want to learn a little bit more about how baking and how cooking works, then this is the talk for you.”
Josh continued: “Also, you’re gonna get a little sprinkle of the science [behind it] as well.” He then added: “And it’s gonna have a few sort of like pops and bangs and fizzes and things so it will be a nice, immersive experience.”
It was another tense night in Bake Off tent as the bakers took part in biscuit week, but away from the bakes one contestant couldn’t help but admit she has the hots for Paul Hollywood
The 11 remaining bakers were back in the tent for the second episode of The Great British Bake Off tonight, as they took part in biscuit week.
As ever, things were heating up in the tent, and things are about to get even hotter next week as a preview saw one contestant admitting to their ‘secret crush’ on Paul Hollywood.
Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, found herself in danger on the Channel 4 show tonight after having a nightmare in the technical challenge with her hobnobs. However, she hasn’t seemed to let it get her down, as she’s set to go one step further to impress Paul next week.
Pui Man was heard making a cheeky comment about Paul Hollywood in a snippet for next week(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
Next week, the bakers are set to face their biggest challenge yet, bread week. With a savoury signature, a deep fried technical and a towering Showstopper, who will be the next to leave the tent?
Channel 4 are keeping it top secret until next Tuesday night, but one thing they aren’t keeping secret is baker Pui Man’s ‘crush’ on Hollywood.
In a preview for next week, which aired at the end of tonight’s episode, Noel Fielding can be seen asking the contestant: “What is it about Paul kneading bread that you like?”
“Very sexy,” Pui Man laughed, as Noel added: “With his blue eyes and a husky voice!”
The contestants weren’t the only one dropping secrets however, as Noel revealed one just seconds in to tonight’s episode.
Asked by co-host Alison Hammond what his favourite biscuit was, the IT Crowd star cheekily replied: “Not many people know this about me, but at midnight, I like to get naked, glue feathers onto myself and put party rings on my eyes and pretend to be an owl.
At the end of a dramatic episode, it was revealed that Leighton would be the second baker to leave the 2025 series, with his biscuits being called ‘a bit wet’ by the judges.
“Someone had to go right?” he said, as the rest of the bakers were left in tears. “I’ve had the most fun on Bake Off, I’ve loved it. I’ve had the opportunity and then I’ve come up against these amazing bakers.”
Fans were left gutted with Leighton’s departure, as one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “feel sad Leighton is gone I liked him but glad pui man is still in the game.”
A second penned: “Leighton i will miss you so bad :((,” while a third wrote: “Happy for Pui Man but NOT LEIGHTON!!”
The sewing contest was on at 9pm on Tuesday (September 2), which meant it coincided with the first episode of the new series of the baking show on Channel 4, reports the Express. The culinary programme made its return at 8pm for a feature-length debut episode.
The clash saw many fans flock to social media to express their annoyance.
One viewer wrote on X: “Would be interested to see stats on how many viewers switch over from Bake Off on Channel 4 to BBC1 for Sewing Bee at 9! Who decided a b***** overlap was a good idea?”
Esme Young on The Great British Sewing Bee(Image: BBC)
Another viewer wrote, ” I’m Glad [GBBO] is back, but I wish it didn’t overlap with Sewing Bee.”
“UNACCEPTABLE OVERLAP,” vented someone else.
A third viewer commented: “I’m more annoyed about the clash of Bake Off and Sewing Bee.”
However, not all viewers were upset. One person shared: “Great British Bake Off followed by Sewing Bee!!! Life doesn’t get any better!”
Bake Off is back for a new series(Image: Channel 4)
Meanwhile, another said: “Great British Bake Off and Sewing Bee both in one night, Luvley Jubbly! Enjoy your evening, all.”
The Sewing Bee is in its eighth week, and the five surviving hopefuls embarked on a cinematic journey, with three tasks drawing inspiration from iconic film moments of yesteryear.
During the pattern round, judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant challenged the finalists to recreate the blazer sported by Tippi Hedren’s character in Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller The Birds.
The latest series of Sewing Bee is in its eighth week(Image: BBC)
For the transformation task, the seamsters received tiebacks and crimson theatre drapes and were challenged to convert the material into spectacular ensembles worthy of a Tinseltown premiere.
During the made-to-measure portion of the show, the participants were required to craft an ensemble for a horror film character.
The Great British Sewing Bee airs on BBC One and Bake Off is on Channel 4.
One contestant has already been sent home on this year’s Great British Bake Off as viewers didn’t think it came as a surprise following a few clues along the way
Great British Bake Off has sent home its first baker of the series(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
Great British Bake Off fans were convinced they knew who would be the first contestant to be sent off after spotting some telling clues. The hit Channel 4 baking competition made its long awaited comeback on Tuesday night.
Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith welcomed 12 new bakers into the iconic tent for a fresh round of the competition. However, things didn’t get off on an easy start for Cake Week.
The judges ramped things up by withholding the instructions during the technical challenge and set the bakers a tough showstopper challenge before deciding who would be first out.
Hassan became the first contestant to be sent home(Image: CHANNEL 4)
Before Prue and Paul revealed who would be going home already, some viewers were convinced they knew who it would be. One said: “I hear everyone saying Hassan has a chance but like he’s messed up 2 challenges whereas Iain has won one, unless Hassan does an amazing cake idk mannnnn.”
Another added: “Im not sure Hassan is surviving this week…” Someone else commented: “Ohhh Hassan. Poor guys caramel done him completely. Absolutely brutal.”
A fourth wrote: “If it ain’t Hassan, then Im sensing a first week ‘nobody is going’.” Sadly, it was Hassan that was sent packing after just the first episode.
After his exit, Hassan admitted: “I had a strong inkling I was out after the judging for my Showstopper, so when I heard my name, I thought ‘Damn, I guess that’s it for me then’.
“I remember Prue coming up to give us a big hug first, then turning left and having a huge queue of people lined up to give us a hug – the support from all of them felt reassuring to me and helped cheer me up a lot.”
Hassan said he would stick to his day job but continue to bake as a hobby. “In terms of my goals in the overall baking world, I don’t have any plans,” he said.
Revealing what fans can expect, host Alison teased: “You’ve got six men and six women from all over Britain. They’re all really exciting bakers. It’s not just about the baking for them. They’ve got families and really good jobs as well.”
While Prue added: “This year we had quite a lot of designers and engineers, and it showed in their baking. They were so much better at construction.”
“They just take it so seriously. It’s like a science to them, because that’s how they are within their work,” Alison continued. People are going to be blown away.
“There’s a few failures as well, as to be expected. It’s going to be so much fun. Paul’s on form, Prue’s on form, Noel is just so funny. It’s classic Bake Off. We say it every year but it’s a wonderful series.”
The Bake Off contestant has over 400k followers on TikTok thanks to this unusual hobby, which may soon feature in the hit show
The Great British Bake Off returns to screens tonight, with a new batch of 12 contestants all ready to be introduced in the first episode. While this will be the first step into the spotlight for most of the bakers, one is already famous thanks to his peculiar hobby.
Iain Ross, 29, is a baker from Belfast who only started baking in his early 20s but has already amassed over 400k followers on TikTok. In his videos, which have attracted millions of likes, Iain paints musicians’ faces and album covers onto his bakes using edible foot colouring.
Taylor Swift, Queen, Oasis and more have all been painted on to a variety of baked goods, but most commonly bread. “It’s a really fun hobby to have a clash of worlds,” Iain told BBC Radio Ulster. “I have my baking and my love of music so I try to marry the two together the best I can.”
Bake Off contestant Iain Ross paints musicians onto his bakes(Image: Instagram)
After he posted the news that he was joining the next series of Bake Off to his Instagram and TikTok, Iain’s fans flocked to the comments to share their excitement. One wrote: “This is so epic, I’ve been following you for so long, congrats!”
Another commented: “Best music taste to ever touch Bake Off and you’re amazing at baking.” Many also asked Iain to bring his signature artistic decoration to the show.
However, it’s not certain Iain will make it to Bread Week, as the teaser for the first episode shows a struggle for the Irish baker. In the ‘first look’, Iain is trying to mend his cake, which has fallen apart in the tent.
Reacting to his chocolate cake, he’s heard saying: “Oh God! Urgh! It’s just fallen apart.” He is then shown to scrape bits from the tray in an effort to put the cake back together.
Cake Week on Bake Off is a rough start for some(Image: ITV)
When the footage was shown on Lorraine Kelly’s talk show, the presenter teased that it looked like something she would bake and that it hasn’t started well for the baker.
Iain himself has described his time on the show as “chaotic”, telling the BBC that he thinks it will make good TV.
“The main word from my experience is chaotic,” he said. “I have a lot of plates spinning at a lot of times and if there’s one thing about me it’s that I’m not very good with multiple plates spinning, but I think it’ll make for good viewing.”
Luckily for Iain and his fans, it seems many of the contestants may have struggled in tonight’s episode. The teaser for Cake Week promised wonky cakes, over-baking and cake that Paul Hollywood says “looks like it fell out of a tree”.
Alison Hammond encourages viewers to be supportive of Bake Off contestants(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
Before the show began, Bake Off host Alison Hammond asked viewers to be supportive of the bakers, as it can be difficult when bakes go wrong. In a video message, she told fans: “It’s a magical experience they’ll never forget. What you don’t see at home are all the hours of hard work they put in behind-the-scenes.”
“So when something goes wrong in the tent, it can really hit hard. They’re all real people with real feelings who love baking and they’re just trying their best. So please, remember – it might look easy from the sofa at home but in the tent, it’s a whole other story.”
The Great British Bake Off returns tonight on Channel 4 at 8pm.
The Bake Off judges and Alison Hammon explain the secret ingredients that keep hit series on track
00:00, 26 Aug 2025Updated 00:01, 26 Aug 2025
Bake Off is back on Channel 4 next week with the usual line up of judges Paul and Prue and hosts Alison and Noel(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
The Great British Bake off will celebrate its 150th episode during the new series – and judge Prue Leigh hopes to create a slice of TV history herself.
Prue and Paul Hollywood are in charge once again of deciding which cakes are up to scratch. And the restaurateur, broadcaster, cookery writer and novelist loves the idea of still being on the Channel 4 show in her Nineties.
“Why not? I mean, I’m asked this question all the time and I always say the same thing: ‘I’ve got to give up some time, but I’m loving it.’ I just enjoy it. I look forward to it. I mean, it’s a lovely job for goodness sake. It’s a wonderful job, so I love it, but I want to go before I’m pushed.
Alison Hammond insists Prue is the naughty one who stays up late(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
“I don’t want some poor executive to have to come and say to me: ‘You know, Prue, I’m just wondering… you are 87 or something. Do you not think it’s time you just stepped down?’ I don’t want somebody to have to do that.
“And I shouldn’t say this, because they’ll cut my pay in half, but it’s such a piece of cake to do. It’s so easy. All I have to do is walk on, eat cake, walk off and get paid. What could be easier or nicer? And so it’s not an effort. Even at 5 o’clock in the morning, you don’t feel “Oh, I’ve got to go to work.” It’s not at all stressful. So I don’t think I’m conscious, at all, when we’re doing it, that we have to keep this show nice because
it’s somebody’s stress-free zone, it’s somebody’s therapy, it’s somebody’s quiet time when they can be with their family. It is all of those things, and I’m very glad it’s all of those things, but when we’re actually doing it, we’re just having a good time.”
Prue is now 85 but is often the last one standing when it comes to wrap parties on the Channel 4 series. Host Alison Hammond, who works alongside Noel Fielding added: “They say me and Noel are the naughty ones, but really and truly, it’s Paul and Prue. They’re the naughty ones. They’re the ones who are up late. We’re in bed by eight. Not together. Obviously.”
Bake Off returns next week for the 16th series. The new batch of 12 contestants features a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a drag king and two hairdressers hoping to make the cut.
Paul Hollywood believes the show, which moved from BBC1 to Channel 4 in 2017, should continue long beyond Prue and even his reign as judge. For him the show has proven itself and cemented a place on TV for the long haul.
Paul Hollywood is the only original member of the Bake Up line up from the BBC years(Image: Channel 4 / Love Productions)
He said: “There should be a Bake Off forever now. Obviously, not in the current line-up. We will all go. But I think it should stay. It is an institution. It’s a cult now. It’s found its feet. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t go on.”
Prue added: “Like Match of the Day or something. There are some shows that just go on. It’s been going for 16 years. And what happens is the bakers know the atmosphere before they come in and they sort of join the club and they know how to behave. Very seldom, once or twice, we’ve had somebody who comes in at the beginning, who’s a bit not on the vibe. Not this year, but I remember one woman particularly wanting to diss her rivals and that didn’t last. She got it. She changed.”
Turning to discuss the competition, Paul says there are slightly less Hollywood handshakes than usual but the standard is v high. “If I don’t give a handshake it is ‘Paul’s been stingy’ if I give out too many it is Paul is ‘devaluing them’” he explains.
“I think this is an exceptional year. I think the standard of the baking has been phenomenal. I was really shocked – it was unbelievable. Proper borderline-professional from the off. And the bakers all bonded really quickly as well. Straight out of the traps, there were a number of bakers that made me think ‘Wow, we’re in for a good year.’ And it is a really good year.
The new series also sees two new ‘themes’ with Meringue week and Back To School with lots of cake and custard presumably on the cards. But for all the themes and new challenges it is very much a show about the bakers themselves too.
Host Alison said: “People fall in love with the bakers. That’s the crux of it. It’s all about the bakers. We could be replaced at any moment, but the bakers are what’s driving the show.”
Paul added: “What changes is the bakers every year, but the bakers are the people who bring the character to the show and they have done. They are amazing bakers and really nice people.
“The standard of baking overall since series one has got better and better. That’s not to take anything away from the bakers in series one, they were of their time, but the baking has improved. The challenges are a little more tricky. But they’ve all risen to the challenge and created things that have been really incredible.”
* The Great British Bake Off starts next Tuesday September 2, stream or watch from 8pm on Channel 4.
TV star Jon Richardson has reportedly signed up to a hit Channel 4 show despite giving up comedy for a very different career after his divorce from Lucy Beaumont
21:54, 14 Jun 2025Updated 21:54, 14 Jun 2025
Jon Richardson is said to have landed a spot on a huge TV show(Image: Rob Parfitt/ Channel 4)
Comedian Jon Richardson is said to have signed up to take part in a popular Channel 4 show after “quitting comedy”. The TV star issued a surprise announcement earlier this year where he revealed he was changing careers.
His unexpected move came just months after his split from wife of nine years Lucy Beaumont. Jon and fellow comedian Lucy starred in their hit series Meet the Richardsons, but were forced to quit following their divorce.
He is now said to have signed up to take part in Celebrity Bake Off for their next Stand Up to Cancer campaign. A source said: “Bosses are over the moon that they signed up Jon. He is hilarious, so will bring the laughs to the tent, and he’s hugely popular with viewers.”
“It’s been a tough year for Jon following his split from Lucy, so this has given him some light relief and it’s all for charity, so that’s an added bonus,” they added to the Sun.
Posting on social media earlier this year, Jon made his bombshell revelation. He said: “I just thought I’d give you a little update. I don’t really do social media updates, and I’ll tell you why – because I don’t think anyone cares.
“But I have a little bit of news. I’ve obviously been taking a little bit of a break from stand-up and it’s really made me… want to carry on taking a break from stand-up.”
He added: “I’ve been thinking a lot about a diary entry that I found from 1997.” An excerpt of his old diary then popped on screen, as the BBC Radio 6 star explained: “It’s this one. I was 14 years old, it says although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher. And I’ve been thinking a lot about that.”
He split from wife Lucy last year(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
Jon revealed: “I’ve loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice. But I’ve decided it would’ve been nice to try the other option, so that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
The comedian shared that he’d already accepted a teaching job, stating: “I’ve been doing some training, I’ve taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can. but that’s all from me for now, just to let you know where I’ve been. I’ll keep you posted.”
Jon and Lucy tied the knot in April 2015, and share eight-year-old daughter Elsie. At the time of their break-up, a joint statement read: “We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways.
“As our only priority is managing this difficult transition for our daughter, we would ask that our privacy is respected at this sensitive time to protect her well-being. We will be making no further comment. Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont.”
In September it was revealed the pair had come to an agreement in their divorce payout as Jon handed Lucy an eye-watering amount. He gave Lucy a whopping £1.625 million. Lucy is also ready to make a return to TV, having signed up to take part in the first celebrity edition of The Traitors.
The Mirror has contacted Jon’s representatives and Channel 4 for comment.
