From Taste of Home · Lindsay Parrill · · 2m
Paul Hollywood's handshake explained
The Great British Baking Show's most coveted honor started as a casual gesture and became television gold.
In brief
The Great British Baking Show's most coveted honor started as a casual gesture and became television gold. Paul Hollywood's handshake is his way of recognizing truly exceptional bakes that meet his demanding standards, but it started completely by accident. Originally reported by Taste of Home.
The handshake that stops time
On The Great British Baking Show, Paul Hollywood's handshake has become one of the most coveted honors, capable of reducing composed adults to tears.
What the handshake really means
A Hollywood handshake is Paul's way of recognizing a truly exceptional bake. It's an unofficial honor awarded entirely at his discretion when a baker impresses him enough to warrant more than praise.
Paul's demanding standard
In a 2022 interview, Paul explained he judges a bake by deciding if it's something he'd sell in a shop under his own name. It needs to be distinctive, technically accomplished, and ideally perfect.
Not a guarantee of victory
While a handshake is a tremendous compliment, it isn't a guarantee of winning Star Baker or surviving the week. It's simply recognition of an outstanding bake.
How it all started
Paul first shook a contestant's hand during season two simply to congratulate them on a job well done. He hadn't intended to start a tradition and was surprised when the gesture took on a life of its own.
A gesture gone global
Paul told TVLine that strangers around the world now approach him hoping for a handshake, an experience he describes as weird. The casual gesture has become an international phenomenon.
The lesser honor
Paul also introduced the 'Paul pat' for bakes that come close to meeting his standards. It's a consolation gesture for those who almost earned the coveted handshake.
Television magic
Contestants have cried, gasped, and forgotten how to behave when receiving a handshake. In 2019, baker Henry Bird was so stunned he told Paul to shut up, prompting laughter from the entire tent.
Why it still matters
There's something lovely about watching a talented home baker receive recognition after hours of agonizing over every detail. The handshake may be ridiculous, but earning one is still one of the show's best moments.
The main idea
Paul Hollywood's handshake is his way of recognizing truly exceptional bakes that meet his demanding standards, but it started completely by accident.
