backstage at bake off
‘OUR FAVOURITE PART OF BAKE OFF?
‘People are aware that it’s a kind show’
Noel, Sandi, Paul and Prue chat to heat over a large slice of cake
The bakers seem to be getting younger – have you noticed that? Paul: There’s a lot of youth picking up baking, you can see that from social media as well, and that’s reflected in the tent. Prue: There’s a whole trend going on to do nice, old-fashioned things. Think of the number of clubs there are now for embroidery and potting, all sorts of stuff that went out of fashion. Sandi: The Scandinavians call it the Grandmother Crafts. After the cash crisis in Iceland, there was an increase in these crafts because people want the comfort of it, and I think that’s a wonderful thing. Your first-ever showstopper challenge was a chocolate cake, but last year it was a 3D self-portrait in biscuit form. Are the bakers getting better or are you getting meaner? Paul: The bakers have got better, or certainly the people who want to enter. The first series, they didn’t know what they were getting into. You want to challenge their knowledge and see what they are capable of, otherwise they stagnate. Prue: People are aware that it’s a kind show, they’re not going to be humiliated. Noel: Says, “This is not worth the calories” Prue! Prue: That’s about the unkindest thing anyone says. Noel: Have you met Paul? Prue: It’s generally kind, and the whole atmosphere in the tent is about trying to make it possible for the bakers to do their very best. Noel: They love you two [ judges], they just want to impress you so much. When you give them compliments, they’re beaming. What do you like most about working with each other? Paul: [ jokes] Going home! It’s very chilled out – it’s our third year now – and I like that. We were all at the bar last night. Sandi: It’s like being with family now. Prue: It’s a really good moment of the day when we all end up in the bar with a Hollywood ginger fizz. Paul: I had a piña colada as well last night, with a cherry. Noel: Sandi likes an Aperol spritz. Sandi: I do, I like a large bowl of orange. How do people react, seeing you all in the bar together? Paul: Sometimes, if there’s a wedding on at the hotel, it can create a little bit of a stir. Noel: [Paul] looks a bit mean and moody, so people are scared to ask for a photo, but when we all turn up, it’s open season – suddenly everyone is there. n