The judges and presenters of “The Great British Baking Show” might become familiar after watching it for hours, but what are they really like off-camera?
In order to learn more about the candidates’ experiences working with the show’s renowned ensemble, Insider met with a number of past contestants from different seasons of “The Great British Bake Off” in the UK.
One previous competitor described Mary Berry as a “wonderful” lady who understands contestants.
Judge Mary Berry countered fellow judge Paul Hollywood’s intimidating demeanor for seven years till she departed the show in 2019.
Berry’s admirers will be pleased to learn that she looks to be just as attractive in person as she is on television.
The “kind” judge once consoled the fourth-season baker Ali Imdad at a difficult period even though they weren’t being videotaped.
He recalled once experiencing a panic attack because his ganache just wasn’t setting. Even though there were no cameras there, she nevertheless approached me, hugged me, and reminded me that it was only cake.
The well-intentioned antics of Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc in the tent might sometimes get grating.
The first seven seasons of the program were presented by Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, who were renowned for adding a dash of humor to each episode. But when faced with a difficult task, some bakers didn’t always have time for their shenanigans.
Imdad took part in “The Great British Baking Show: Holidays”‘ third season as a competitor, and he remembered an instance in which the presenters distracted the bakers.
According to him, Cathryn Dresser was with them. “She was having trouble with her baking when Mel and Sue arrived. As they were laughing and making jokes, Cathryn said to me, “I just need to finish off my bakes.” Can they just leave me alone, please?”
He went on, “In other words, if you’re having a horrible day, it’s probably a bit bothersome and distracting. However, except Paul, they always have good intentions.”
However, one contestant said that Sandi Toksvig didn’t appear to have much of a sweet appetite.
Although Sandi Toksvig is a co-presenter on a baking competition program, she doesn’t appear to like sweets much herself.
According to Stacey Hart of season eight, “None of the judges ever spat the food out to prevent weight gain, although I believe Sandi sometimes didn’t try bakes.” I don’t believe Sandi has a very sweet tooth, but she loves cheese and will eat anything that contains it.
She doesn’t have a sweet tooth, but it doesn’t stop her from being a kind host. Toksvig, who the participants affectionately called to as “Auntie Sandi,” is a “wonderful lady,” according to Hart.
Evidently, Prue Leith brings leftovers from the program home to feed her pigs.
After a long day of filming, viewers often wonder what the program does with all the leftover baked goodies.
According to Hart, the participants, hosts, judges, and crew often share the meals. Additionally, Prue Leith has reportedly handled the leftovers since she became a judge on the program in 2017.
They put everything out on a table, and Hart told Insider that Prue supposedly takes any leftovers home to feed her pigs. That is what I was informed,
Leith previously admitted to giving leftovers from the event to her neighbor’s pigs, but she subsequently claimed she stopped after realizing it would make the animals ill.
Noel Fielding, a co-presenter, has a personal stake in the competitors.
For season eight of “The Great British Bake Off,” co-presenter Noel Fielding joined the competition in 2017.
Former competitors claim that he is very nice and encouraging off-camera. His bizarre humour helps to lighten the atmosphere in the tent.
Before the competitors even show up on the set, Hart told Insider that he makes it a point to get to know them.
Everyone was apprehensive the first time we entered the tent, she recalled. “We got a hearty embrace from Noel as he approached. He was well aware of my life.”
Paul Hollywood’s bad-guy demeanor, according to some bakers, became grating.
On the program, Paul Hollywood comes off as somewhat menacing, but several past participants claim he may really be more irritating than frightening.
Imdad said to Insider that Paul “tries to put on this character of, you know, just kind of hovering behind you and trying to catch you out.” And although it’s amusing the first time, after a while it becomes annoying.
As a contender, you just kind of want to shove him off, he said, “I suppose it’s adorable when you’re watching on TV.”
According to Hart, “I became a little irritated.” “Paul said a couple things in the semifinals that I didn’t like. He entered my workstation and said, “Oh, this is a little messy. I heard someone say, “A dirty table is a messy baker,” and I was like, “Go away.” Just doing my job, that’s all.”
But he doesn’t terrify everyone, and sometimes he may be very useful.
Even though Hollywood has a reputation for being the show’s harshest judge, not everyone fears competing against him.
Paul Hollywood may frighten certain people, but I’m not afraid of him, said Rav Bansal from season seven of Insider.
Paul tries to be threatening, but he didn’t terrify me, Hart told Insider, adding that she wasn’t intimidated by Hollywood’s image.
She went on, “He’s not too bad. Only when he loved my work did I like him. When he didn’t, I didn’t like him.”
The scariest aspect about Hollywood, according to Antony Amourdoux of season nine, is being assessed by him since he is such a skilled baker.
Amourdoux praised him, saying, “He is so technically sound, he’s fantastic.” Because of his ability to properly reprimand you if anything goes wrong, “I would say he is the scariest judge.”
Hollywood, fortunately, is willing to provide advice to bakers.
The contender said, “As much as he is intimidating, he does assist bakers with his tips and techniques.” “He comes to life during bread week. During other weeks, he doesn’t spend as much time in the tent, but during bread week, he spends a lot of time there observing each baker.”
Hollywood’s presence, according to one participant, may be distracting.
Amourdoux said that the judge’s attractive appearance might sometimes be annoying.
“It’s somewhat intimidating. Particularly when Paul Hollywood is looking down at you and has such blue eyes “said he. “My mind is saying, in part, “This man is so gorgeous.” Simply kiss him. On the other hand, I’m thinking, “This man is so intimidating and frightening.””
According to Hart, the majority of the hosts and judges are generally kind and accommodating.
Hart told Insider that, on the whole, the judges and hosts she spoke with were nice and cordial, but Hollywood didn’t appear to be as hospitable.
Hart recalled her first experience in the tent, saying, “They all in and cheered us up. Paul was the only one who didn’t. He remained outside.”
“I didn’t have any contact with him until the first judgment,” she said.