A former Great British Bake Off finalist has revealed what judge Paul Hollywood is really like when the cameras stop rolling.

The hit Channel 4 series has just returned for another season, with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith once again presiding over the iconic white tent, and Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding back to host.

But for those who have always wondered what goes on behind the gingham curtain, past contestant Josh Smalley has given a rare glimpse into life as a baker on the show.

Speaking to the Express, Josh opened up about his experience on the 2023 series, sharing both how he made it through the fiercely competitive application process and his impressions of the judges.

'Prue was an absolute delight and reminded me so much of my Nan,' Josh began. 'She had such a calming presence when she spoke to you and always managed to find the positives in everything.

'Paul, meanwhile, wasn't nearly as intimidating as I'd expected,' he admitted.

'He was genuinely friendly and smiled far more in person than you'd ever imagine from watching him on TV!

'It felt very special to be able to present your bake to the two of them, knowing they were not only genuinely interested but also excited to taste it.

'The famous blue-eyed stare was definitely there, though - I'll admit I tried to avoid making direct eye contact whenever he came round to check on what I was doing.'

Josh revealed that simply making it onto the show was a triumph in itself, and he was taken aback when he discovered that the show receives up to 20,000 applications every year.

His versatility in the kitchen, he believes, helped him stand out, and he credits his 'love for variety' for his success.

Josh said that while other bakers may specialise in more niche areas, he enjoys making everything from 'bread and biscuits to pudding and patisserie.'

And Josh's talents don't stop there. The young baker also loves photography, and takes snaps of his bakes to document them.

This added variety likely strengthened his portfolio, which he believes show bosses would have taken into consideration.

Reflecting on the pressures of the competition, Josh admitted that the experience taught him time management and, crucially, to relieve the pressure to be perfect.

The demanding competition saw contestants juggle multiple intricate tasks at once, and it favours those who can remain poised under pressure.

'The reality is that the final result will never be as flawless as something crafted over several days at home,' Josh concluded.

The Great British Bake Off resumes at 8pm on Channel 4 on Tuesdays and is available to stream on channel4.com.