The Great British Bake Off never gets old, right? That's why we're loving the brand new series, which is well underway on Channel 4.
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But while viewers love watching the shiny new faces who enter the tent to show off their baking skills, the presenters are equally popular. So we couldn't help but wonder how the regular stars of the show shot to fame and what they did at the start of their careers. See what Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith and more looked like back in the day here…
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Prue Leith
Prue Leith has enjoyed great success in her career as a restaurateur, chef, writer and journalist. In the 1960s and 70s, Prue ran her own catering business and then set up Leith's Food and Wine – which trains professional cooks and amateur chefs.
She also worked for various publications such as The Guardian as a food writer, and appeared on TV shows such as The Great British Menu and My Kitchen Rules, before landing a spot on Bake Off.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesPrue Leith in her early career
Paul Hollywood
Before becoming Bake Off's tough-to-impress judge, Paul worked as a head baker in a number of upmarket hotels including The Dorchester.
He then began working on TV shows such as The Generation Game, This Morning and The Alan Titchmarsh Show before being a permanent judge on The Great British Bake Off when it first aired in 2010 on the BBC.
Paul posted this throwback photo on his Instagram back in November last year, writing at the time: "Here's one from the late 80s, it's also the theme for the Bake Off tonight, THE 80s...!"
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Paul shared this throwback photo in 2020
Noel Fielding
Noel Fielding is known and adored for offering contestants in the tent comfort as well as witty one-liners, but in addition to appearing on the Channel 4 show, he's beloved for his comedy work.
The actor and stand-up comedian has appeared in The IT Crowd and his own sketch show, The Might Boosh. He's also made a number of appearances on shows like Nevermind the Buzzcocks and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.
© Photo: Getty ImagesNoel Fielding has had success as a comedian for a number of years
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas took over Sandi Toksvig as Noel Fielding's presenting partner for the 2020 series. The actor and comedian is perhaps best known for his writing and acting work alongside David Walliams in British sitcoms Little Britain and Come Fly With Me. He's also appeared in Doctor Who and the film, Bridesmaids.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMatt Lucas with David Walliams in their Little Britain days
Sandi Toksvig
Sandi Toksvig might have left the show, but she still remains a part of the Bake Off family all the same! The presenter, writer and comedian began her career at the prestigious Footlights, known for alumni such as Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, and then started working on the comedy circuit.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSandi has had great success as a writer, broadcaster and comedian
She's since become well-known for her radio broadcasting and TV presenting of The News Quiz on Radio 4 and quiz show QI.
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