Showstoppers!

Paul Hollywood on the 2020 series so far, highlights to come and bringing the Far East to the famous tent…

- Caren Clark

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF

TUESDAY / C4 / 8PM / EP 6 of 10 / COOKERY

For obvious reasons, many of us are looking for something comforting and familiar from TV at the moment. But while we expected the return of The Great British Bake Off to be popular, audiences averaging around 10 million and a tidal wave of love for new host Matt Lucas have taken the C4 show to new heights.

And this week, ever-exacting judge Paul Hollywood breaks more new ground when he brings delicious delicacies and unique flavours to the tent for Bake Off ’s first Japanese-themed episode.

Paul visited the Land of the Rising Sun for the first time while filming his recent culinary travelogue, Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, and he is keen to share his passion for the country’s techniques and presentation.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Paul, 54, who also clocks up his 100th episode as a judge this week, chats to TV Times about the challenges awaiting the bakers…

How did Bake Off’s first Japanese Week come about?

It was my idea. I was inspired after my travels when I ‘ate’ Japan! Some of the bakeries I visited in Tokyo were the best I have ever been in – they really have mastered it. So I was curious to see how the bakers would cope, as it’s a completely new challenge for the series.

Tell us about the Japanese bakes you set them...