'Great British Bake Off': Is Paul Hollywood Giving Out Too Many Handshakes This Series?

'He'd shake hands in Greggs after a steak bake'

This week’s ‘Great British Bake Off’ saw drama all over the shop, from Briony’s tears, to some dodgy French pronunciation, to Terry missing the episode altogether. But there was one thing more even controversial that fans were kicking off about - judge Paul Hollywood getting a bit loosey goosey with his congratulations.

Yep, you might have already noticed, but Paul has been shaking hands like a new starter on his first day in the office.

Shake it off Paul
Shake it off Paul
Channel 4

And it’s not just this week it’s been happening - some viewers have been keeping count:

That's 4 handshakes handed out by @PaulHollywood so far in 3 episodes 🤔 not feeling it big man.. they need to be saved for epicness #gbbo #GreatBritishBakeOff

— Aodín NíGallchobhair (@aodin_g) September 11, 2018

While others are questioning whether the once prestigious gesture means much anymore:

Omg Paul Hollywood needs to stop giving away handshakes willy nilly like I’m more impressed when somebody doesn’t get one. #GBBO

— Niamh Hodge (@NiamhKH) September 19, 2018

When Paul Hollywood gives a handshake now.#GBBO pic.twitter.com/aYpSCWkxap

— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) September 18, 2018

Paul giving out handshakes like they’re going out of fashion!! Daaaaamn #GBBO

— Emma Blackery (@emmablackery) September 18, 2018

me when paul hollywood gives his 9th handshake after 10 minutes #GBBO pic.twitter.com/A6Ef7ckBNz

— Ryan (@Ry_tothe_an) September 11, 2018

Has inflation made the currency less valuable? Fans are speculating what the 52-year-old baker won’t shake for:

Not saying Paul Hollywood is being too liberal with the handshakes this series, but I feel like he’d shake hands in Greggs after a steak bake. #GBBO

— Alex Duffy (@whatalexthinks) September 11, 2018

What has less value now, the Zimbabwean dollar or the Paul Hollywood handshake? #GreatBritishBakeOff #gbbo

— Jack C (@thekeeleduke) September 11, 2018

I’m not saying that Paul Hollywood’s handshakes have become devalued, but he game me one for my effort on bread week. #GreatBritishBakeOff pic.twitter.com/8Mzek3lXIu

— George Toms (@Toms12George) September 11, 2018

But perhaps he’s trying to shake up his image. We’re wondering, is he okay?

Paul Hollywood is having some kind of midlife crisis through the medium of doling out handshakes. Less is more! #GBBO

— Sathnam Sanghera (@Sathnam) September 18, 2018

Or maybe he’s just going soft in his old age?

Paul Hollywood this season:
You get a handshake, you get a handshake, EVERYBODY getting a handshake!!! #GBBO pic.twitter.com/dnoGSEqIVe

— Maxine🌻 (@Maxim1llion) September 19, 2018

It’s led us to question whether they’re just a token, or perhaps a completely arbitrary gesture he’s dishing out to keep his mitts warm. Do contestants even want them anymore? We’re not sure we would.

If Paul Hollywood offered you his patronising handshake #GBBO pic.twitter.com/qJ8FknNMPn

— Declan Cashin Big Dec Energy (@Tweet_Dec) September 18, 2018

A Paul Hollywood handshake could never be as special as a Mary Berry wink #GBBO #GBBO2018 pic.twitter.com/2hHrqYlZYZ

— Rachel Morgan #FBPE (@RachelMorganMFL) September 18, 2018

We don’t know what’s going on with the celebrity chef, but we hope he’ll accept the Twittersphere’s feedback and reel it in in the coming episodes. You gotta make ’em appreciate it.

Less is more, Paul. Less is more.

‘Great British Bake Off’ continues next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.

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