Reality television personality Vicky Pattison has openly confessed to harbouring a significant crush on veteran judge Paul Hollywood, describing her feelings as "genuinely embarrassing" in a candid interview ahead of her debut on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer. The 38-year-old, best known for her prominent role on the hit series Geordie Shore, did not hold back in expressing her admiration for the 60-year-old baking expert, who has been a fixture on the beloved Channel 4 programme since its inception in 2010.
"I Still Fancy Paul Hollywood"
Speaking with remarkable frankness, Pattison gushed, "I still fancy Paul Hollywood... He is a silver fox and a wicked bit of kit - trying my best to impress him definitely added to my nerves." She elaborated further on the specific allure of the judge, remarking, "His eyes are something else... you can get lost in those baby blues!" This admission highlights the enduring appeal Hollywood has maintained over the show's sixteen-year history, during which numerous contestants and viewers have similarly swooned over his presence.
The Coveted Hollywood Handshake
Beyond her personal attraction, Vicky Pattison revealed an intense desire to earn the legendary Hollywood handshake, a rare and prestigious accolade awarded by the judge for exceptional baking. "I'm too desperate for a Hollywood handshake... it's genuinely embarrassing," she admitted. "I don't think I'll get one because I'm almost too keen, you know?" This blend of professional ambition and personal infatuation underscores the unique pressures faced by celebrities participating in the high-stakes charity competition.
Baking for a Vital Cause
Despite the personal cringe she might feel about her very public crush, Pattison's participation serves a profoundly important purpose. The star is appearing on the show to raise crucial funds for Stand Up To Cancer, a charity exceptionally close to her heart. Both her father and a close friend have bravely battled the disease in recent years, making her involvement deeply personal and motivated by a desire to contribute to the fight against cancer.
A Self-Described "Chaotic" Baker
When it comes to her actual baking prowess, Vicky Pattison approaches the tent as a relative novice. She confessed that her last serious foray into baking occurred "twenty-five to thirty years ago" during her childhood and teenage years. Describing her baking style simply as "chaotic," she explained, "I used to bake when I was younger... I used to make the birthday cakes for all my family - and I used to love it but this is about 25 [to] 30 years ago. I honestly have no idea now."
This is not, however, her first experience in a televised celebrity kitchen. Pattison also competed on Celebrity MasterChef back in 2019. She was quick to stress that this previous experience offers little advantage, noting a fundamental difference between the two disciplines. "I think cooking and baking are two very different things - both stressful but baking makes me sweat from behind the knees a little bit more I think!" she said, recalling her MasterChef finale where her "lamb was still raw" and she "really crumbled under the pressure."
A Star-Studded Lineup for Charity
The Celebrity Bake Off special has proven to be a phenomenal success since its launch in 2018, raising a staggering £113 million for Stand Up To Cancer to date. This year's series features an impressive roster of famous faces alongside Vicky Pattison, including JoJo Siwa, Molly-Mae Hague, Scott Mills, Sam Thompson, Rag 'n' Bone Man, Aston Merrygold, and Edith Bowman. The lineup is further bolstered by Emmett J Scanlan, Ralf Little, Richard Herring, Joe Wilkinson, Babatunde Aléshé, Rose Matafeo, and Judi Love.
They will be joined in subsequent episodes by additional celebrities such as Tom Davis, Mark Wright, Nella Rose, Mutya Buena, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Ambika Mod, Roisin Conaty, Jon Richardson, and Alex Brooker, ensuring a diverse and entertaining series dedicated to a vital cause.
Personal Reflections on Family
The interview comes shortly after an emotionally charged moment for Vicky Pattison on her own television programme, Vicky Pattison: Maybe Baby?, which aired recently. During the show, which explores her and her husband Ercan Ramadan's considerations about starting a family after their 2024 marriage, she broke down in tears. After a positive discussion about adoption with a woman who had adopted her children, Pattison told her husband, "This is the first moment I've thought 'I could do that'."
While the couple has not ruled out adoption for their future, the episode concluded with both becoming emotional as they agreed they would first like to try for a baby naturally. During a decisive date night, Vicky affirmed, "I want a family and I want to be a mam," with Ercan echoing, "I think we should try and have a baby this year." Both admitted to feeling scared and terrified by the prospect, showcasing their honest and relatable journey.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer continues its 2026 series on Sunday at 7:40pm on Channel 4, promising more baking drama, celebrity mishaps, and crucial fundraising efforts.
