‘Paul Hollywood makes a very sinister nun’
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith talk baking with the cast of Derry Girls – plus rocking with Status Quo…
What was it like to be back in the tent? PAUL, 53: It was lovely to get some of the previous bakers back. Everyone tends to be more relaxed – including us. After all, it’s Christmas!
PRUE, 79: I think the bakers certainly have more fun – it’s not so intense. But there is always enough nervous tension to keep everyone on their toes!
And there’s a Derry Girls special going out on New Year’s Day… PRUE: It was very funny, as we were dressed up as schoolgirls – me, Sandi, and even Noel. Paul was Mother Superior, the nun, and he did look a bit sinister with the veil. I think the Derry Girls cast were better at comedy than baking, but it’s much more fun when they can’t bake.
PAUL: They were very entertaining and noisy. As for the dressing up, I think it felt quite natural for Sandi, as she hasn’t really grown since school… I tried to do a Northern Irish accent, but it turned out badly.
You don’t actually film this at Christmas time, do you?
PAUL: We do film it earlier in the year, but it was quite chilly. And once they lay the fake snow on the ground, you do feel colder – maybe it’s a psychological thing. It felt very festive, and we have a sing-song at the end.
And you’re in a Christmas jumper, which helps.
PAUL: The costume department found it hugely humorous to find one with a silver fox on it. It’s quite nice, actually, and they let me take it home, so I might wear it on actual Christmas Day! PRUE: I loved the outfits. At home on the day itself, I usually wear a red dress from India, or I have a pair of silk pyjamas that I don’t wear in bed but keep as special for Christmas Day.
What are you doing on the big day?
PRUE: This year it’s just [husband] John and me going to India. I’ve hardly had any time off this year, so I’m really looking forward to having a totally relaxing time.
You’ve got Status Quo on the December 25 episode!
PAUL: I have a couple of Quo albums, and I was a bit of a rocker in my youth. It was an incredible moment when we were filming with Status Quo and I was singing along with Francis Rossi in my Christmas jumper, in the snow. It was very surreal.
PRUE: I was sitting on a stool, as I was still on crutches [after snapping her Achilles tendon – ouch!]. Status Quo had a heavy beat and we were all jigging along, with me just moving my top half. Paul grabbed my boot and started playing air guitar with it, which was very funny. And, looking ahead to 2020…? PRUE: It’s a new decade, and I will be 80 next year. I still want to beat Mary’s [Berry] stint! PAUL: My aim for 2020 is to get fit for next year’s Bake Off! I also want to have a long break now. It’s time to take a step back, and I want to travel.
Any festive baking tips?
PAUL: For me, it’s about planning ahead. I start making mince pies at the beginning of December, which you can put in the freezer. Use a quality mincemeat and add a little bit of cognac or a squeeze of mandarin or tangerine zest.
PRUE: I do the roast potatoes the day before. I parboil them, and throw in a handful of breadcrumbs – then, on the day, they brown wonderfully!