Paul Hollywood to Undergo Hand Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The 'Great British Bake Off' judge has managed the condition for 12 years, attributing it to his decades of working with dough.
Paul Hollywood, a judge on The Great British Bake Off, has announced he will require surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a condition he has managed for 12 years. The 60-year-old television personality revealed the news on Instagram, explaining that the condition is severe in both hands and is a result of his career working with dough for over three decades.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, often causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers, hands, and arms, and potential weakness. Hollywood mentioned that the condition occasionally flares up, prompting him to wear wrist supports for stability. He also noted that a recent incident involving testing a race car aggravated his hand.
The announcement comes as the latest series of The Great British Bake Off premiered, introducing viewers to Hollywood's new judging partnership with Nigella Lawson. Lawson replaced Prue Leith for the current season, and her debut has been met with largely positive reviews from critics.
Reviewers from The Telegraph, The Guardian, and The Times have praised Lawson's addition to the show, with many noting her chemistry with Hollywood and her ability to bring a fresh dynamic to the long-running program. Some critics, however, felt Lawson's integration did not significantly alter the show's established format.
Viewers have also shared their enthusiasm for Lawson's return to television, with many expressing delight at her presence on Bake Off. Her judging style has been described as a gentle contrast to Hollywood's more technical critiques, offering nuanced feedback to the contestants.
