It was an awkward encounter
Paul Hollywood’s ‘toxic’ message to Devon GBBO contestant has viewers fuming(Image: Channel 4)
Great British Bake Off contestant Toby, from Devon, received an brutal message from Paul Hollywood during the 2025 series’ first episode.
Toby, who grew up in Sidmouth with his three siblings, now loves in Warwickshire with his girlfriend, and was one of twelve new amateur bakers to enter the iconic Bake Off tent.
And although he made it through to the next week, the 29-year-old was part of an awkward moment with judge Paul Hollywood during the episode.
For the new series, the show introduced a new twist to the Technical challenge which many viewers dubbed as “harsh”.
The twist meant bakers weren’t given a recipe ahead of the Technical, where they had to bake nine identical French Fancies, and even had ingredients in front of them that weren’t meant for the recipe.
Ahead of the challenge, bakers were given a fondant fancy to taste test and look at to help them figure out what they needed to do.
The Great British Bake Off Series 16 contestant Toby(Image: PA)
It proved a struggle for everyone, but Toby ultimately came first in the challenge, but Paul issued a stern message.
After announcing that Toby was the winner, the other bakers began to clap, before Paul bluntly told the others to “not clap”, as he quipped they still weren’t perfect.
Viewers were quick to call Paul’s comment out, with one fan comparing him to a “toxic” manager.
They wrote on social media: “Paul thinking he’s a manager in a toxic workplace, where no clear instruction is given and you’re not allowed to receive praise for doing well anyway”.
Another said: “How can Paul tell them not to clap”.
While a third wrote: “Is it me or has Paul managed to become even more insufferable with his poor jokes and incessant digs?”