Over the years, has gained considerable fame for his signature move of giving talented bakers a ” Handshake” on the Great British Bake-Off. This gesture signifies his admiration for their exceptional skills and creations.
However, the TV star’s approach to offering this coveted handshake has changed in light of the ongoing pandemic. He has become increasingly cautious about extending this personal interaction outside the show’s environment, prioritising health and safety over tradition.
He shared with The Times: “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, just passing me in the street.
Paul Hollywood refuses to shake people’s hands. (Image: Getty)
“Because of , I don’t, because I’m petrified of getting again.”
Since the show’s debut on Two in 2010, Paul has established himself as a distinguished judge on The Great British Bake Off. In a recent revelation, he discussed his ongoing struggle with a “severe” case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that has profoundly affected his celebrated baking career, which spans over 40 years.
At 58, Paul is straightforward in explaining that this painful condition is the result of years of dedicated, hands-on work in the baking industry. His journey began at the age of 17, shortly after completing his education at Wallasey Art School, when he started working in his family’s bakery.
Approximately four years ago, he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
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Paul also suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. (Image: Getty)
Speaking on the Graham Norton Show, Paul shared his fears about undergoing an operation, revealing that he has cut down on his baking, which has helped alleviate some of the pain.
He told the programme: “I’ve got carpal tunnel syndrome in both my wrists; it’s severe. It was diagnosed about four years ago. I went to speak to a consultant about it, and he said, ‘Listen, you’re going to have to have an operation.
“I don’t actually bake as much hands-on as I used to, I miss it. But now I’ve sort of stopped baking as much as I used to, it’s actually alleviated a lot of the pain.”
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 5% of the British population and is characterised by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. It results from the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.
This syndrome has gained increased public attention thanks to Paul, the esteemed professional baker and TV personality known for his role on “The Great British Bake Off.”
During discussions about his career in baking, Paul highlighted the occupational hazards associated with the demands of his profession, particularly the repetitive motions involved in baking and decorating.
Paul also mentioned that his former colleague, the beloved culinary icon , had encountered similar challenges.