Ex Machina
Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood explores his career as a baker… Paul Hollywood: a Baker’s life Monday, 8.00pm C4 Entertainment
We all know Paul Hollywood as the meticulous judge of The Great British Bake Off, but little is known about the man himself. That’s all set to change with C4’s Paul Hollywood: A Baker’s Life, starting this week.
‘I felt it was time for the public to find out a little bit more about me,’ says Paul, 51. ‘They know about the “pantomime villain” they see on Bake Off, but no one truly knows who I am and where I came from.’
Growing up in Merseyside, Paul followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, earning a crust by baking bread. In the four-part series, Paul takes a trip down memory lane, visiting the kitchens and chefs that inspired him, and meeting up with
family and friends.
Each week, Paul bakes some brand new treats as well as recipes that mark crucial moments in his life.
‘I make ginger biscuits that I used to bake with my mum when I was about six or seven,’ says Paul. Paul also goes behindthe-scenes of the Bake
Off tent, where the tables are turned as past Bake Off contestants Val
Stones and Selasi Gbormittah return to judge Paul as he bakes a Pistachio and Rose
Petal Roulade.
‘When the challenge first started, I thought: “Hang on, I don’t like this” but then I quite enjoyed it,’ admits Paul. ‘I know how the
bakers feel now!’