Known for his piercing blue eyes and the “Hollywood handshake” – a rare, high compliment given for exceptional baking – Paul Hollywood first hit our TV screens as a judge on The Great British Bake Off in 2010.
The Wirral-born baker soon became a household name and as the show begins filming for its 17th series, he will be the only original presenter.
Born in Wallasey, Wirral, Hollywood began his career in his teenage years at his father’s bakery before later working as head baker at prestigious hotels, including The Dorchester and the Chester Grosvenor.
He became known as the “Simon Cowell of baking” for his no-nonsense judging style, but one former contestant thinks the tough cookie persona may be softening.