A former Great British Bake Off contestant has revealed the "humiliating" moment star judge Paul Hollywood delivered a crushing blow by refusing to even taste her creation.
The baker, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described the incident during a showstopper challenge as "one of the most demoralising experiences" of her time on the hit Channel 4 show.
The shocking snub occurred when Hollywood approached her bake, examined it closely, and declared it not worth sampling before moving on to other contestants' creations without a word.
"He didn't just dislike it—he treated it as if it was beneath even being tasted," the contestant revealed. "After spending hours on something you're proud of, to have it completely dismissed like that was deeply insulting."
The incident has sparked debate among baking fans about whether the judges' sometimes brutal criticism crosses the line from constructive to downright cruel.
While Hollywood is known for his straight-talking assessments and steely gaze, this account suggests there are moments when even his high standards might benefit from a touch of basic courtesy.
The former contestant's revelation offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the famously sweet-but-fierce competition, reminding viewers that even in the tent, feelings can get badly burned.
