Former Bake Off finalist says Paul Hollywood’s off-camera warmth surprised him

A former Great British Bake Off finalist says judge Paul Hollywood is warmer off camera than his television persona suggests. Josh Smalley, who competed on the 2023 series, offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse as Bake Off returns for another season on Channel 4, with Hollywood and Prue Leith again presiding and Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding back to host.

Speaking to the Express, Smalley recalled his application journey and his impressions of the judges. He said Prue Leith was a delight and reminded him of his Nan, with a calming presence who looked for positives. He added that Hollywood wasn't as intimidating in person as expected, describing him as genuinely friendly and more smile-filled than his television image suggests. Smalley said presenting his bake to the two judges felt special because they were genuinely interested and excited to taste it, though he joked about avoiding eye contact when checks came round, given Hollywood's famous blue-eyed stare.

Smalley noted simply getting onto the show was a significant achievement, given the fierce competition, and he was surprised to learn the series receives up to 20,000 applications each year. He credited his versatility in the kitchen—bread and biscuits to pudding and patisserie—with helping him stand out in a field that often rewards breadth over niche specialization.

Beyond baking, Smalley is also passionate about photography, taking snaps of his bakes to document his portfolio. He suggested this added variety likely strengthened his case in the eyes of show bosses, who weigh a contestant's broader artistry as much as technical skill. Reflecting on the pressures of the competition, he said time management is crucial and that striving for perfection can be counterproductive in the tent, where the final results rarely match the level achieved at home.

The Great British Bake Off resumes at 8 p.m. on Channel 4 on Tuesdays and is available to stream on channel4.com.