This Was Paul Hollywood's Favorite Celebrity Bake Off Guest

Celebrity chef, certified silver-fox, and "The Great British Bake Off" judge Paul Hollywood is known for his blue eyes and iconic "Hollywood handshake" – a rare symbol of success on the baking competition. An often intimidating judge who provides unapologetic feedback to even the most talented of bakers, Insider reported that GBBO contestants have called Hollywood's straight-forward persona "annoying," while others say his "tips and tricks" are actually quite helpful. 

Off set however, Hollywood is far less intense, especially when it comes to critiquing celebrities like Blake Lively, who received a virtual Hollywood handshake on Instagram (per Entertainment Tonight). But it was former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch who truly swept Hollywood off his feet during a recently-filmed episode "Bake Off," according to Entertainment Weekly. The TV personality noted that Lynch was, "Crazy. Absolutely crazy. He was amazing." 

Lynch, who famously trademarked his iconic press conference quote "I'm just here so I don't fined" (per Newsweek), isn't new to the culinary world. He's previously collaborated with Subway to design his very own roast beef sandwich aptly-titled "Beef Mode." And if Hollywood's feedback is any indication, GBBO fans are in for a treat.

The specifics of the upcoming "The Great British Bake Off" special are still shrouded in mystery. Season 12 of the popular Netflix baking competition wrapped in November 2021, crowning Chef Giuseppe Dell'Anno as the season's winner. According to The List, filming for Season 13 began in April and wraps up sometime in August. But what is known is that former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch will make a guest appearance on a future "Bake Off" episode (per Entertainment Weekly).

Not much is known about the top-secret episode and whether it's part of the main competition, other than the few details judge Paul Hollywood has shared. The celebrity chef said the episode is called "Bake Off in the U.K." and that Lynch was a joy to have on the show. "He was great, I'm a big fan, so it was nice to have him on. Bake Off is all about having fun in the tent, that's what it's all about" (via EW).

While we'll have to wait and see what Lynch's appearance entails, we know that Hollywood will return for the next season of "The Great British Bake Off" with his ice-cold attitude (per EW). And though Hollywood may have some regrets when it comes to filming the show, it appears that working with Lynch isn't one of them.