Paul Hollywood Spotted With Wrist Brace as 'Great British Bake Off' Season Premieres to Acclaim

Paul Hollywood, a prominent figure on "The Great British Bake Off," was observed sporting a wrist brace during a rare public appearance with his wife, Melissa Spalding, on Wednesday. The sighting occurred just hours after the latest season of the Channel 4 baking competition premiered to largely positive reviews, marking the highly anticipated debut of Nigella Lawson as a judge.

Hollywood, 60, was seen navigating an airport terminal with the support brace on his left wrist. He opted for a casual ensemble of a white t-shirt and jeans, accompanied by a bright orange suitcase. Spalding was dressed in a matching white tracksuit and carried a pink Chanel handbag.

The exact cause of Hollywood's wrist injury remains undisclosed. Representatives for the television personality have been contacted for comment. The couple married in 2023, following Hollywood's divorce from his first wife, Alexandra, in 2019.

"Great British Bake Off" Season Debut

The premiere of the new "Great British Bake Off" season introduced viewers to the judging dynamic between Hollywood and Lawson, who steps in for Prue Leith. Critics widely praised Lawson's addition to the show, with many suggesting she has revitalized the long-running program after 17 seasons.

Reviewers lauded Lawson's on-screen presence. The Daily Mail's Jan Moir noted that Hollywood, often perceived as holding a senior position on the panel, has now "met his match" in Lawson. Anita Singh of The Telegraph awarded the episode five stars, describing the pairing of "Bake Off and Nigella" as "a match made in heaven" and highlighting Lawson's "glamour, intelligence and poise."

Similarly, The Guardian's Lucy Mangan gave a five-star rating, characterizing Lawson as a "quieter, more soothing presence" that complements the show's hosts. Ben Dowell of The Times commented that Lawson "took to Bake Off as a domestic goddess should," noting that even Hollywood seemed impressed by her. Metro's Adam Miller called Lawson "the lifeline Bake Off needed."

However, some critics offered a more reserved assessment. Sasha Morris of the Express suggested that while Lawson added glamour and a softer critique to contrast Hollywood's technical feedback, she did not significantly alter the show's established format. Nick Hilton of The Independent also expressed disappointment, feeling Lawson's arrival was an opportunity missed for a more substantial refresh of a format he described as "very tired."

Viewer response on social media generally mirrored the critical praise for Lawson, with fans expressing enthusiasm for her return to television and her engaging on-screen mannerisms. Many viewers commented on her apparent enjoyment of tasting the bakers' creations and her wit.