Prue Leith has come to the defense of her colleague, Paul Hollywood, addressing the perceived “unpleasant” image he carries on The Great British Bake Off. Speaking from the renowned tent at Welford Park in Berkshire, the Bake Off judges shed light on their roles and how fans of the Channel 4 show view them.
Prue, originally from South Africa and a well-known restaurateur, noted the contrasting public perceptions of them, with herself being seen as “kind” and Paul as “unpleasant.” However, she highlighted that despite this perception, their judging criteria are quite similar when it comes to scoring the bakes accurately.
The chef shared that their discussions about the bakes in Cake Corner are primarily to educate and remind viewers, as both Prue and Paul could easily evaluate them swiftly. Prue mentioned in an interview with Radio Times magazine that despite the audience’s belief that she is kind and Paul is harsh, their scoring rarely differs by more than a point, with her recalling giving only one perfect 10 in nine years.
Regarding her previous comment on baked goods not being worth the calories due to their fat and sugar content, Prue acknowledged a change in perspective after receiving feedback that her statement came across as judgmental and discriminatory towards those who enjoy cake.
Paul, a long-standing judge on the show since 2010, revealed that he has never awarded a perfect 10, with a handshake from him signifying a highly professional bake. While he often claims he won’t give out handshakes, his admiration for exceptional bakes sometimes leads to an unexpected handshake or the introduction of the “Prue pat.”
In a different setting away from the cameras, Paul displayed a more compassionate side towards contestants. Briony May Williams, a contestant from a past series, shared a touching moment where Paul comforted her with a hug when she was upset about her baking mishap.
The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4, with viewers also able to watch The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Friday, October 24, from 8pm to 9pm.