Great British Bake Off viewers worried Paul Hollywood has ‘gone soft’ after he gives out THREE coveted handshakes to bakers on last night’s show
Liverpudlian judge's hard shell seems to have gone soggy as he 'devalues' his own coveted handshake reward by giving out three in one episode
BAKE Off viewers were left shaking their heads last night after judge Paul Hollywood was seen shaking three contestants' hands - leading to claims that the macho reward is "losing its value".
Liverpudlian Paul has been known to shake a hand on rare occasions where he feels the amateur baker has made something exceptional, but the palm-based honour is now being wheeled out left right and centre.
Last night's steamed pudding round obviously played to some of the contestants' strengths, with plenty of "light" and "delicious" sponges being turned out.
But when Paul was seen shaking Yan, Steven and Stacey's hands things got ridiculous.
In 2016, contestant Andrew Smyth had said, despite being Star Baker twice: "A Hollywood handshake would be incredible."
So it's no surprise viewers feel that earning the Bake Off Holy Grail - being anointed by Paul's hand sweat - is now just a cakewalk.
One viewer wrote: "Paul is such a slut. 3 handshakes?? In ONE challenge??? #bakeoff."
A second agreed, writing: "Paul has gone soft", while a third tweeted: "Pffffff Paul you pansy".
However, Paul soon responded to the jibes this morning via Twitter - hitting back at any criticism of the multiple shake.
Paul wrote: "If a baker deserves a handshake that's exactly what they'll get..!
"The standard this year is FAR better than we've ever had #justsayin."
Despite trying to justify his trio of shakes, Paul may not be able to hold back the tide of demand for handshakes now he's set a precedent.
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After Paul abandoned the BBC's Bake Off to join Channel 4's version - leaving behind co-judge Mary Berry - viewers are clearly not ready to let him off the hook.
One fan of the show even suggested the next handshake Paul gives out should be rejected via a "handshake burn".
But whether any of the contestants would be brave enough to risk Paul's wrath after it was revealed he once dressed up as a Nazi remains to be seen.
The Great British Bake off airs next Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
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