This week’s ‘Great British Bake Off’ saw drama all over the shop, from Briony’s tears, to some dodgy French pronunciation, to Terry missing the episode altogether. But there was one thing more even controversial that fans were kicking off about - judge Paul Hollywood getting a bit loosey goosey with his congratulations.
Yep, you might have already noticed, but Paul has been shaking hands like a new starter on his first day in the office.
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Shake it off Paul
Channel 4
And it’s not just this week it’s been happening - some viewers have been keeping count:
While others are questioning whether the once prestigious gesture means much anymore:
Has inflation made the currency less valuable? Fans are speculating what the 52-year-old baker won’t shake for:
But perhaps he’s trying to shake up his image. We’re wondering, is he okay?
Or maybe he’s just going soft in his old age?
It’s led us to question whether they’re just a token, or perhaps a completely arbitrary gesture he’s dishing out to keep his mitts warm. Do contestants even want them anymore? We’re not sure we would.
We don’t know what’s going on with the celebrity chef, but we hope he’ll accept the Twittersphere’s feedback and reel it in in the coming episodes. You gotta make ’em appreciate it.
Less is more, Paul. Less is more.
‘Great British Bake Off’ continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
'Great British Bake Off' Contestants 2018
Manon(01 of12)
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Age: 26
Occupation: Software project manager
Did you know? Manon was born in France but only discovered her passion for baking when she moved to London. (credit:Channel 4)
Rahul(02 of12)
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Age: 30
Occupation: Research scientist
Did you know? Rahul moved to the UK seven years ago on a university scholarship, and has developed a fusion style of baking. (credit:Channel 4)
Terry(03 of12)
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Age: 56
Occupation: Retired
Did you know? Terry is a former cabin crew member and also worked as a prosthetic technician. (credit:Channel 4)
Ruby(04 of12)
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Age: 29
Occupation: Project manager
Did you know? Ruby says she was inspired by her mother's Indian sweets as a child. (credit:Channel 4)
Luke(05 of12)
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Age: 30
Occupation: Civil servant/Techno DJ
Did you know? Sheffield-born Luke has been baking for 20 years. (credit:Channel 4)
Imelda(06 of12)
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Age: 33
Occupation: Countryside recreation officer
Did you know? Imelda applied for the show after being inspired by her mum, who taught her how to bake. (credit:Channel 4)
Jon(07 of12)
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Age: 47
Occupation: Blood courier
Did you know? Jon is a father of four and loves to bake for his family. (credit:Channel 4)
Antony(08 of12)
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Age: 30
Occupation: Banker
Did you know? Antony says he learned his baking skills from his father. (credit:Channel 4)
Briony(09 of12)
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Age: 33 Occupation: Unemployed
Did you know? She learned all her baking skills from watching YouTube videos. (credit:Channel 4)
Karen(10 of12)
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Age: 60
Occupation: In-store sampling assistant
Did you know? Karen's baking is inspired from the 15 years she owned a house in France with her husband. (credit:Channel 4)
Kim-Joy(11 of12)
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Age: 27
Occupation: Mental health specialist
Did you know? Born to an English father and Malaysian-Chinese mother in Belgium, Kim-Joy grew up in London before moving to Leeds, and says her heritage is reflected in her baking. (credit:Channel 4)
Dan(12 of12)
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Age: 36
Occupation: Full-time dad
Did you know? Dan has spent the last six years looking after his children but says he now wants to enter the tent as something for himself. (credit:Channel 4)