A couple of years ago, while I was binge-watching The Great British Baking Show on a random Saturday, my then-2-year-old quite seriously proclaimed, "He's handsome," upon noticing the popular series' longtime judge, celebrity baker Paul Hollywood. I could not stop laughing, and promptly shared her toddler revelation on social media. I had never really thought of Paul that way, but had to concede that he is in fact an attractive guy. Still, it's kind of surprising. We can't say that one would immediately look at him and think, "Man that guy's sexy," but there's definitely something alluring about him.
If we're being truthful, Paul looks like he could have been a boxer or even maybe a wrestler in another life, but instead he ended up a baker, putting those striking baby blues to good use on television. Maybe it's because he looks kind of like a manly tough guy, when in reality, he spends his time making sweet sponges.
Fans of The Great British Baking Show need look no further than the interwebs to see just how many people have found themselves fantasizing over the middle-aged baker, and honestly some of his suggestive ways on the show only fan the flame. From his habit of leaving his shirt unbuttoned down to his chest to his penchant for making cheeky innuendos, we think Paul knows exactly what he's doing. Keep reading to find out how he's bringing some surprising sex appeal to The Great British Baking Show.
About Those Baby Blues
We'll go straight to one of the latest topics of conversation surrounding Paul's looks. He's known for his piercing blue eyes, under the gaze of which competitors seem to just melt. They are truly stunning and might make anyone stop in their tracks for another look. But some have begun to suspect that he actually wears colored contact lenses. His co-judge, Prue Leith, says they're natural, though.
That Voice
While Paul may be dispensing expert baking tips that could come in handy in our own kitchens, all we can focus on is his dreamy voice (with its posh Scouse accent). Seriously, it's as smooth as caramel (no pun intended). He could read the dictionary to us, and we'd be absolutely enthralled.
The Man Can Frost a Cake
Paul's got finesse, and there's no denying that's a sexy quality. It takes a lot of dexterity and patience to perfectly frost a cake or delicately braid a beautiful loaf of homemade bread. Needless to say, we all know he's very good with his hands, which may add to the allure.
Admired by His Peers
Paul's fans aren't the only ones who've noticed how sexy he is. His costars have, too. His former co-judge, Mary Berry, whom he worked with for years, once said, "Anything sexy goes to Paul," during a red carpet interview when it was mentioned that baking was becoming sexy in Britain.
Everyone Loves a Silver Fox
Men are widely considered more attractive once they start to embrace their gray hair, and Paul is no exception. Over the years, we've watched his hair go more and more gray, and now that he's silver all over, he definitely falls into the silver fox category. It seems to add to his air of authority.
Let Him Remind Us …
In 2020, Paul also took the opportunity to remind his fans that he was also hot before he went gray. He posted a throwback picture from the 1980s on his Instagram page — and people went wild, making comparisons between him and a young Tom Cruise. Looks like he nailed that smoldering gaze early on.
Truly Intense
On The Great British Baking Show, Paul comes off as a truly intense and passionate guy, which a lot of people find particularly attractive. He's detail-oriented and exacting, and he's also very good at what he does, which can be quite desirable characteristics in a person.
Not Too Serious
But Paul doesn't take himself too seriously, either. He's not afraid to have a little fun, even if he looks silly doing it, which makes us all think that he's actually an all-around good guy and someone we might enjoy being around. He looked absolutely ridiculous in this opening skit during season 12.
Alternate Uses
Some fans think he might have gone along with the whole goofy, mulleted cowboy thing because he had other plans for the costume when he was done filming in it. A "weird sex game," perhaps? Nah, we think watching Paul just makes some people think about sex.
All That Brawn
Paul thinks he's sly, but we're totally onto him! He has a habit of crossing his arms over his chest, which shows off his brawny forearms. There's no way he hasn't noticed that it's a flattering posture for him. All those hours he's spent whisking batters, beating eggs, and kneading dough have certainly paid off.
Chest Out
Oh, and let's not forget that more often than not, Paul wears a classic shirt while judging, and he always, always, always makes sure to leave at least two buttons undone. He's clearly going for that relaxed, sexy vibe that many viewers have picked up on over the years.
Physical Contact
One of the most sought-after prizes of every challenge on The Great British Baking Show is a handshake from Paul. He doesn't give them out often, but when he does, it's a big deal. We can't help but wonder what's so special about that handshake. It's definitely intriguing that mere physical contact from him is so lusted after by the contestants.
All the Innuendos
Although the various hosts of The Great British Baking Show are usually responsible for the many sexual innuendos sprinkled throughout the episodes, Paul has made his fair share of suggestive comments as well. Sometimes, he just can't help himself and leaves viewers shocked with his double entendres.
Saucy Nuts
Several seasons ago, one contestant was discussing how he was going to make his nutty caramel cake and mentioned dipping his nuts in sugar, to which one of the hosts replied, "Don't think you should say 'dip your nuts' on television." Paul in turn quipped, "Certainly not in caramel." Sounds like some messy business.
'Furry Garden'
Oh, Paul. During one season, he misheard a contestant with an accent when she said "fairy garden," thinking she said "furry garden." It didn't seem totally intentional, but once the confusion was cleared, no one could get over the innuendo and things got quite awkward. Everyone's mind was clearly no longer on the bake.
Flouring Foreplay?
Things got really weird and quite sexual during bread week in one season of the show when Paul was explaining his technique for making a certain type of bread. He talks about sticking his finger in and then he's promptly asked whether he flours or oils his finger first. Good question.
He's Good With Buns
Paul is particularly skilled at bread making and has quite a way with buns. Whether it's Chelsea buns or iced buns, every time Paul says the word, it sounds oddly sexual. Never mind how he handles the dough balls. Take our word for it, he makes baking buns look beyond sexy.
He's Sexy & He Knows It
Lest we need more convincing all we have to do is take a deep dive into Paul's posturing. The man knows he's sexy. From how he stares at contestants ever-so-intimately to how he stands at the judging table, it's totally his vibe. And while he may fake humble, when put on the spot, this is a guy who is well aware of his appeal.
Ladies Love Him
In 2021, Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall appeared on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer special, and admitted that Paul had her flustered. "I am a proper fan, and Paul's eyes are something else, aren't they? I'm getting all hot and bothered," she said. So yeah, his sex appeal isn't lost on the ladies, not even the much younger ones.
