Paul Hollywood teases Great British Bake Off spin-off with huge twist

Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has revealed he would love to see the hit series go global with an “international Bake Off challenge” – and believes Britain’s bakers could come out on top.

Hollywood, who has judged the show since its launch 16 years ago, will return to the famous white tent this week alongside Dame Prue Leith and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

As the latest batch of hopefuls prepare to showcase their skills, the 58-year-old baker says the standard has now reached a level that rivals professional kitchens.

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“I think there should be an international Bake Off challenge,” Paul told The Sun. “There are versions of the show all over the world, from France to America, Italy to Israel, Brazil to the Middle East. There should be an international one to see who is the best. I think Britain would challenge most of the others, that’s how good they are now.”

The chef, who made his name as a master baker before becoming one of TV’s most recognisable judges, praised the talent that continues to come through the tent.

“The standard of the baking has been phenomenal,” he added. “It was unbelievable – proper borderline professional from the off.”

Paul also spoke about his close bond with fellow judge Prue and presenters Alison and Noel, admitting that the Bake Off family spend plenty of time together off camera.

“We’d all congregate together, almost as if we were all hanging out our washing. So, we’d sit there and chat, and put the world to rights,” he joked.

Meanwhile, Alison Hammond – who is now entering her third year on the show – said watching the bakers’ personal journeys often becomes emotional for viewers at home.

“It’s amazing how halfway through you see someone leave and you get that frog in your throat and you think, ‘Why am I caring so much?’” she said. “It’s a lovely season. I think with the bakers, they know it could be life-changing as well.”

She also joked that while the temptation of having cakes available at every turn in the Bake Off tent can be intense, she has become more disciplined since joining the programme.

Away from Bake Off, Hollywood recently made headlines with a heartfelt family plea. Earlier this month he took to Instagram to ask fans for help after his brother Lee was violently attacked while walking his dog in the Wirral.

Police confirmed the 50-year-old was punched to the ground and kicked in the face before being taken to hospital. Detective Inspector Phil Ryan said: “This was a nasty and unprovoked assault which left the man needing hospital treatment.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Links View Playing fields or Shackleton Road at around 7pm last night who heard or saw the incident or saw the male leaving the area to contact us.”

Paul and Lee grew up working in their father’s bakery in York before pursuing separate paths in the food world. Lee went on to run his own business, Born & Bread, which supplied baked goods across Liverpool.

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