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Exclusive: Prue Leith reveals how 'softie' Paul Hollywood has become a great friend

The two will judge a new American baking show together

Rebecca Lewis - Los Angeles
Los Angeles correspondentLos Angeles
November 30, 2022

Great British Bake Off judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith have a fabulous on-screen chemistry - but it turns out that off-screen they are just as fond of each other.

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"I think the thing that would really surprise fans is what an absolute softie [Paul] really is," Prue told HELLO!, adding: "He looks so stern with that terrifying blue stare."

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However she added how despite his intimidating glare, "he is the one who, very often, you see with his arm around the baker who's upset because she's done something terrible".

Prue also shared how Paul loves to "tease her rotten", and has two running jokes. "One is that I'm a drunk and I can't live without alcohol - and I do like a bit of booze!" she laughed. "Honestly, there's hardly any cake that won't be improved with a bit of alcohol.

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"But the other thing is that he carries on as if I'm his great, great grandmother. He'll say things like, 'Do you want a cup of tea, dearie?'

"I'm in my 80s, so he could only maybe be my grandson, but he treats me as if I were a very frail old lady! But I love his concern for me."

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Great American Baking Show returns in 2023

The pair have been on screen together since 2017 when Prue joined the series when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4 in the UK.

In America the series airs on Netflix but the two have teamed up for another new series, The Great American Baking Show, which will air on Roku in the new year, and features co-hosts Ellie Kemper and Zach Cherry.

A holiday edition will drop on 2 December  wth SNL cast member Chloe Fineman, Oscar-winner Nat Faxon, Emmy-nominee D’Arcy Carden, Social Media star Liza Koshy, Superbowl winner Marshawn Lynch and comedian Joel Kim Booster compete for the coveted cake stand and Star Baker crown.

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