Great British Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond has humorously pointed the finger at judge Paul Hollywood for a recent weight gain, claiming his elusive handshake is to blame.
The Temptation of the Hollywood Handshake
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Alison Hammond, who is in her third series co-hosting the Channel 4 show, confessed she had put on 2kg during the current run of the beloved baking competition. The presenter, who has been open about her past weight loss journey after once weighing nearly 30 stone, attributed the gain to one irresistible factor: Paul Hollywood's coveted handshake.
Alison described the celebrity chef as being "dead stingy" with the so-called Hollywood handshake this year. This gesture is awarded to bakers who impress him with their creations, but Alison claims he hasn't given her one "in real life" and is actually "funny about them." However, when she sees him bestow the honour on a contestant, it becomes a signal of quality she simply cannot ignore.
"I've Got to Try It"
"I tried to hold back but I still put on 2kg this series," Alison admitted. "When I see a handshake, I've got to try it. I always taste the winning technical and best showstopper." This compulsion to sample the top-tier bakes has proven a delicious hazard to her waistline.
The presenter also touched on her fitness routine, revealing that while she continues weightlifting, she hadn't been to the gym for some time. A recent return led to a minor injury, with Alison quipping, "I think I pulled a muscle. I was like, I'm getting too old for this."
A Journey of Health and Moderation
Alison's comments come after a significant health transformation. She previously told Closer Magazine she had lost an incredible 13 stone 7lbs, a journey she began after a pre-diabetic health assessment. She achieved this without restrictive diets, instead focusing on moderation and enlisting a fitness expert.
However, she expressed frustration at persistent questions about using weight loss injections. At the Women of the Year awards, she told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden, "It worries me that the jab keeps getting brought up." While firmly stating she does not currently use them, saying "absolutely not," she defended others' choices.
"I don't like the fact that you have to say: 'Oh, no, I wouldn't have the jab ever'. Maybe next year," she said. "What does it matter how people lose weight? Would you rather me die from being obese?"
Fans can next see Alison on The Last Leg on Channel 4 on Wednesday, December 24, from 10pm to 11pm.
