Paul Hollywood 'always has chaperone on Bake Off' and is 'kept away from contestants'

A former Great British Bake Off contestant has shared what life is really like in the iconic tent - including what rules are put in place for judge Paul Hollywood.

Since its debut, the Bake Off tent has seen its fair share of change. The show moved from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2017, and its original hosts Mel and Sue were replaced by Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, then Matt Lucas, and now Alison Hammond. Mary Berry's departure was also a big moment, with Prue Leith stepping in to join Paul Hollywood at the judging table. Jane Beedle starred on the show in 2016 and was joint runner-up with Andrew Smyth to the winner, Candice Brown and now she has shared all the things that fans at home may not be aware of.

When asked if the contestants get to spend much time with the judging panel, speaking to Betway, the former baker said: "No, we were kept away. The team were very strict about fraternising as they didn't want judges to ever be accused of favouritism. I've heard viewers comment on Paul Hollywood fancying contestants, but none of that happens.

"He would get chaperoned over to the bench for judging and taken away again. The only time we ever saw Paul without the cameras was after an awful bake.

"We'd all done terribly, especially me. He was smoking outside the tent, and someone joked that cigarettes would spoil his taste buds. He turned to me and said, 'I had to get the ghastly taste of your bake out of my mouth'. He was joking, but it was hardly what I needed to hear at that moment!"

At the time of Jane's series, Mel and Sue were the presenters. The contestant admitted that they were around a lot more than the judges.

"We got to spend more time with them than the judges," she explained. "They were so down-to-earth and kind. When you saw them reassuring us on camera, that was all real. They were that genuine.

"They were naughty too and would often have to reshoot because they'd messed around or laughed. Never ask Mel to help you with a bake, either. She once dropped my scones in the sink! But they were wonderful.

"A year after the show had wrapped, I found myself working with Sue on a charity fundraiser. I brought my son Henry along to help carry the equipment, and despite Sue only meeting him once, she greeted him so warmly and remembered his name."