Inflation's grip is tightening on all fronts, and it appears that even the beloved Great British Bake Off isn't spared from its clutches. Yet for the show's esteemed judge Paul Hollywood, the worry isn't solely about the soaring prices of baking essentials; it's the ever-increasing calibre of the contestants' skills.
"The standard has got better, and based on that alone, that's why you'll probably find more handshakes," he divulged to Netflix's Tudum. The renowned baker from Cheshire has observed a year-on-year surge in baking prowess, compelling him to bestow his famed handshakes more frequently, which he admits can be somewhat exasperating as it continuously elevates expectations.
Hollywood now has a new accolade – the "Paul Pat" – reserved for those bakers who fall just short of earning his coveted handshake. This alternative commendation made its debut during Bread Week this season, with Carmarthenshire's Georgie receiving it for her Chelsea buns.
Reflecting on the moment, Paul remarked: "When I saw Dylan's, then that was the benchmark that I was looking for. She was close. I knew, I glanced across, and I did see Dylan's coming, and I was like, 'Oh God, no, this is close but no biscuit.'
Hollywood also cherishes memorable creations from past series, such as Ryan's key lime pie from Season 3, and this season's standout gochujang buns by Dylan have certainly made an impression on the celebrity chef, reports Wales Online.
He also fondly recalls the moment Hermine's salmon quiche left him speechless in Season 8: "I was really hungry, and I tried it and went, 'Oh wow, I've got to have it. No one touch that. That's my lunch.' "Interestingly, Hollywood Handshakes didn't feature in the show's first two seasons, with Ryan Chong receiving the first one in episode seven of Season 3. The numbers started low, with just one in Season 4 and two in Season 5, before increasing.
There were three handshakes in the next season, four in Season 7, and after the show's move to Channel 4, the numbers surged. Season 8 saw seven Hollywood Handshakes, and a remarkable 12 the following year.
The future of the handshake remains uncertain, and only Paul knows what's to come.
