Paul Hollywood reveals secret texts with A-list fan of Great British Bake Off – and why he refuses to shake fans’ hands
PAUL Hollywood has revealed secret texts with A-list movie star Blake Lively who’s a massive fan.
The Great British Bake Off host has opened up about his celebrity fanbase and why he refuses to shake fans’ hands.
Billionaire reality star Kylie Jenner recently admitted she was in tears watching GBBO, which is her “favourite show”.
The 58-year-old admitted he had no clue who she was – but that she joins the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Michael J Fox as being huge fans and now personal friends.
Ryan and Hugh joined Blake Lively in visiting Paul in the famous tent as self-confessed massive fans of the show.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Blake,” Paul told The Times.
“She texts occasionally, sort of to catch up on what she’s been up to, what Ryan’s up to.
“And it’s lovely, because regardless of their job, they’re just a normal family, mum and dad to some great kids.
“They’re really nice people. I like that communication.
“I don’t have many friends who are celebrities, it’s not me. I don’t go to a lot of red-carpet stuff.
“I don’t go to the parties up in London. I don’t like London.”
Paul also dislikes fans asking him to recreate his iconic gesture from the tent.
Over the years he’s become famous for giving impressive bakers a Hollywood Handshake.
However he’s incredibly wary of doing this outside of the show – because of coronavirus fears.
He adds: “I never get annoyed at the public approaching me; they have genuine questions about baking or Bake Off. I’ll spend time with them, it’s part of my job.
“But he now resists it, on hygiene grounds, when strangers pester him for the handshake.
“A lot of people try to shake my hand, weirdly, for no reason at all, just passing me in the street.
“Because of Covid, I don’t, because I’m petrified of getting Covid again.”