GBBO’s Prue Leith reveals why she was labelled a “fattist” – as she and Paul Hollywood share best advice to bakers

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I met Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, the judges from The Great British Bake Off, at their tent in Welford Park. We shook hands, which technically means I received a ‘Hollywood handshake’ – though Paul joked he gives them out freely, even to people like his dentist and builders.

Bake Off has been running for 16 series — has what you look for in a baker changed in that time?

I often find myself torn between wanting truly innovative baking and appreciating classic, traditional recipes. It’s thrilling when a baker creates something completely new or combines flavors in a really imaginative way. But then, someone will bake a beloved classic like rhubarb crumble, and it’s just wonderful because it feels comforting, genuine, and familiar.

As a total baking show fanatic, I’ve noticed a big trend this season: bakers trying *way* too hard to stuff everything into one recipe. Paul Hollywood’s right – you really need one star flavor and just a couple of supporting players. Honestly, the creativity this year has been a rollercoaster. Some of it’s been brilliant, some of it’s totally missed the mark, and it’s kept me guessing the whole time!

What cake should someone bake to win you over?

Pru is referring to a cake made with a lot of ground almonds. They particularly enjoyed a gluten-free polenta cake during the show.

PAUL Any cake with cream and fruit.

What advice would you give to someone coming on the show?

PAUL Ignore Noel and Alison when they try to make conversation.

Sometimes bakers wish customers would hurry up and leave, especially when they’re busy and trying to work quickly.

Alison Hammond, Noel Fielding, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith

Do you ever disagree while judging?

On the show, when we’re talking about the bakes, we mostly just remind viewers what’s good because Paul and I could quickly assess everything ourselves. People often think I’m nicer than Paul, but if you look at our scores, we rarely disagree by more than a point. I’ve only given one perfect score in nine years—I can’t even remember who made it! I used to comment on whether something was worth the calories, acknowledging that cake is full of sugar and fat and asking myself if I really wanted to indulge. But I stopped saying that because people felt judged for enjoying cake and accused me of being unfair to those who like it.

I’ve always stopped at a 9.5 – I’ve never actually given a perfect 10. A handshake from me is the closest thing to it. These bakers are all amateurs, but when I give them a handshake, it means they’ve created something truly professional.

Paul often jokingly declares he won’t offer handshakes this year or week, but inevitably does because a baker creates something exceptionally delicious. Many contestants hope to receive a ‘Prue pat’ – a sign of her approval.

Prue, everyone loves your bright and cheerful clothes and all your different glasses! How many pairs do you actually have?

We’ll see what we can do. Innuendos in Bake Off are unavoidable. Is that difficult during filming?

I’m really struggling to understand what’s going on. The bakers were challenged to create a cake shaped like their favorite animal, and one person made a beaver. When I asked them about it, everyone started laughing uncontrollably. I honestly don’t know what I was supposed to say!

Paul mentioned a memorable moment from the show where Prue made a suggestive comment about pastry – specifically, needing ‘two holes to squirt’ and ‘squeezing the bag.’ Paul found it so amusing he actually had to leave the tent, comparing the situation to a scene from a classic British comedy film.

It must be hard to form a bond with the bakers and then see them go home?

PRUE It is.

Surely that’s just a tough guy act on the outside Paul, but on the inside?

PRUE He’s quite squishy in the middle.

PAUL That’s because of the cakes.

What are you like when you’re away from the show?

I’m a pretty private person. I live way out in the country, and that’s exactly how I like it. There’s nothing better than relaxing at home in my dressing gown, watching TV with my wife, Melissa. I also enjoy simple things like mowing the lawn – I feel like I could go on forever, just like Forrest Gump on his lawnmower!

PRUE The other thing Paul likes to do is cooking as opposed to baking.

PAUL I do, I’m a feeder. I brought my pizza oven to set during Covid.

PRUE He made pizza for 120 people in about an hour.

Do you enjoy meeting your fans?

I know I come across as self-absorbed, and honestly, I enjoy it. I thrive on the attention. While Paul doesn’t really like it, I love when people ask to take pictures with me, or when they tell me how much they like me.

People often recognize me and ask for photos, but I usually try to stay out of the spotlight. When I’m on shows like ‘Celebrity Bake Off,’ I get really excited to meet everyone. Even so, I don’t think of myself as famous – I’m just a TV personality who enjoys cake.

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2025-10-07 03:26