'Bake Off' judge Paul Hollywood tells off trolls for 'disgusting behaviour'

Paul Hollywood has reportedly been replaced at BBC's Good Food Show (Getty)
Paul Hollywood (Getty)

Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has stepped in after trolls targeted finalist Laura, saying it was “disgusting behaviour”.

Laura was on the receiving end of some unkind comments after making it through to the final instead of Hermine, who had been popular with viewers of the Channel 4 show.

She spoke out about the backlash on Twitter, telling viewers: “GBBO is all about kindness and I haven't seen much of that on here."

Read more: Bake Off’s most controversial moments ever

And Hollywood has now waded in, reminding fans that he and fellow judge Prue Leith actually get to taste the bakes and that trolling Laura was not on.

He wrote on Instagram: “I’ve heard of some sad people trolling Laura, it’s disgusting behaviour.

“Those of you who may not be aware how Bake Off works or new to the series may have missed what we have ALWAYS done on Bake Off judging.

"Each week stands on its own!! It never matters what any baker has done in previous weeks.

Even if you win 4/5 star bakers and then have a bad week you will be at risk of going sadly. It's the rule that has been in place for 11 years!!"

The cook also set people straight on his longed-for handshakes, which he only dishes out to the very best of bakes.

He explained: “I only give out handshakes in signature [rounds] not in showstopper or technical, there was one exception three years ago... STOP trolling any of the bakers!!

Read more: Tributes paid to Bake Off contestant Luis Troyano following his death

"Remember Prue and I can actually smell and eat the bakes...

“Bring on the final X.”

Laura made it to the Bake Off final alongside contestants Dave and Peter.

After the backlash about Hermine leaving, she wrote on Twitter: “It's ok to be sad your favourite person didn't go through, but please remember it's not my fault. I don't make the decisions. GBBO is all about kindness and I haven't seen much of that on here.

“It's easy to sit there on your sofa and judge. But I am a real person with feelings. Please take a moment to consider your words before you judge someone you've never met and whose food you've never tasted.”

Watch: Meet the Bake Off finalists