Paul Hollywood's handshake is the ultimate sign of a job well done on The Great British Baking Show, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we likely won't be seeing it at all in the upcoming season. An insider from GBBO has reportedly stated that Channel 4 executives didn't think the gesture would be appropriate right now, so they have told Paul to hold off on this rite of passage.
Real fans of the show will know that positive reviews from the judges are an accomplishment enough, but a handshake from Paul Hollywood is one of the highest praises contestants can get. This tradition started in season three, but handshakes were few and far between back then. As of late, though, they've become more common, with Paul offering seven handshakes last season.
But given the fact that shaking hands just isn't a good idea right now (in fact, back in April, Dr. Anthony Fauci said "I don't think we should ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you"), Paul was ordered to put a pause on his handshakes for the time being, The Daily Mail reported.
The next season of the show is currently filming and the cast and crew are safely quarantined away from their typical filming spot to allow for better social distancing. Despite these precautions, sources told The Daily Mail that the production team thinks they can "never be too careful," so they are limiting person-to-person contact where possible.
It's unclear if the iconic handshake will be replaced with an elbow bump or a foot tap of some sort, but it's likely if Paul Hollywood approves of any upcoming dishes, he'll be sure to let contestants and viewers know somehow.
