26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
GBBO's Paul Hollywood teases new career move as he admits 'I feel guilty'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Paul Hollywood has confessed to feeling a sense of guilt over his soaring success, and admits he can't quite believe how much he's achieved so far.
The Great British Bake Off judge embarked on his career journey at 17, after he left art school to join his father's chain of 12 Breadwinner bakeries as a trainee.
After learning on the job, the 59-year-old became head baker at several prestigious British and international hotels.
His foray into the media world began with Carlton Food Network and Taste, where he co-hosted two television series alongside fellow chef James Martin.
Today, he is most renowned for his role as the longest-serving judge on The Great British Bake Off, including its celebrity editions for Sport Relief, Comic Relief and Stand Up 2 Cancer.
Reflecting on his illustrious career in an interview with The Times, he shared: "I never thought that I'd be doing what I'm doing now.
"When I go back to Liverpool I still see some of the lads I used to work with in the bakery and they're all very proud, but in a weird way I feel guilty.
"It's probably impostor syndrome but I find it difficult. I went on to do what I did when some of these guys are still doing the same job."
In addition to his baking success, Paul has also ventured into motorsport, participating in numerous GT races across the UK.
In recent years, he has embarked on flying lessons in pursuit of a pilot's licence.
"I've done all that racing car c**p but they have always kept me grounded," he added, speaking of his friends.
Paul, who turns 60 next year, humorously said that he's "been in a perpetual midlife crisis" since he was 17.
Hinting at possible new ventures, he added: "Ask my mates. Now I can afford bigger toys but nothing's changed. Next year I might join a band."
Paul shares judging responsibilities on The Great British Bake Off alongside Prue Leith.
Shedding light on his persona both on and off-screen, she told Candis magazine: "The nice thing about the show is that we are just ourselves, although Paul is probably a little bit sterner on telly than he is in real life because in reality, he can be caught comforting a weeping baker.
"He is a kind person - I absolutely adore Paul. He knows more about baking than I do, that's for sure.
"But I've learnt a lot from him, and we do get on really well."
In a conversation with The Times last year, Paul said of his television persona: "That's the guy on Bake Off. That's not the guy at home. Very different.
"I'm an introvert. All my family will tell you that I'm quite shy. So, it's weird that I'm doing this job, but it found me, I didn't hunt for it."
