Hollywood: Handshakes are not over-egged

When The Great British Bake Off first started, a congratulatory handshake from Paul Hollywood was as rare as hen’s teeth.

But he has been forced to defend the latest series after viewers complained he now gives them out too frequently – eight “Hollywood Handshakes” in the past five episodes alone.

The show judge said he had increased the frequency because the contestants were more deserving.

“What you’re forgetting, which is crucial, is the general standard of baking/bakers has risen year on year. This is reflected in any praise given,” Hollywood said, before adding that the bar has been raised from now on.