‘Producers want it to be as close to normal as possible’: Paul Hollywood will continue giving his famous handshakes in next series of Bake Off despite coronavirus fears
He is known for shaking the hands of contestants who exhibit top baking craftsmanship.
And Paul Hollywood wants to continue using his trademark move in the upcoming Great British Bake Off season, despite fears of spreading coronavirus.
The baking maestro, 54, intends on defying social-distancing rules as the Channel 4 program clarified they will follow strict safety protocol so that all parties are free to handshake to their heart’s content.
Star baker: It was revealed on Monday that Paul Hollywood will flout social-distancing rules and shake The Great British Bake Off contestant’s hands after getting the ‘OK’ from producers
According to a report in The Sun, Paul has been given the green light to handshake cast members as producers believe the show wouldn’t be the same without his signature move.
To ensure safety at all times, the upcoming season is being filmed in an isolation bubble, with all cast and crew members undergoing regular COVID-19 testing.
A source said: ‘In these strange times, producers want the 2020 series to be as close to normal as possible and they feel that it wouldn’t be the same without a Hollywood handshake.
Green light: The baking connoisseur, 54, is allowed to shake hands because all filming takes place in an isolation bubble and all cast and crew members undergo regular COVID testing
‘The judges and hosts — and the contestants — have all been deemed clear because of the bio-secure bubble and regular testing.
‘So if the baking is up to scratch, we’ll see some handshakes, and not elbow bumps, being dished out before long.’
Paul’s handshake is widely regarded as the golden ticket for bakers who aim to meet his high expectations or win Star Baker of the week.
The first time that fans witnessed Paul’s congratulatory move was in series three of the former BBC show.
Stick to tradition: A source told The Sun ‘producers want the 2020 series to be as close to normal as possible and they feel that it wouldn’t be the same without a Hollywood handshake.’
The program was relaunched on Channel 4 in 2017 and saw him dish out another seven handshakes in just one run.
Filming for the next season began last month at a private location in Essex, just a stone’s throw from Paul’s home.
Despite being considered a high-risk candidate for coronavirus, his co-host, Judge Prue Leith, 80, will still be presenting on this year’s show.
High risk: Despite being a vulnerable candidate for coronavirus, Paul’s co-host, Judge Prue Leith, 80, will still be presenting on this year’s show.
Fellow Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksvig revealed that she had left the show earlier this year and was replaced by Little Britain comedian Matt Lucas
Luckily, the comedian, 46, didn’t contract coronavirus but he did end up becoming sick at the beginning of filming this year after eating too many cakes.
Matt will partner up with fellow funnyman, Noel Fielding, 47, who originally joined the Great British Bake Off Cast in 2017.
Newbie: Comedian, Matt Lucas, 46, has replaced Sandi Toksvig, 62, for the upcoming season and will co-host alongside Paul and fellow comedian, Noel Fielding, 47 (pictured right)