Noel Fielding had awkwardness with Paul Hollywood

25 May 2017

Noel Fielding and Paul Hollywood struggled to hit it off when filming 'The Great British Bake Off'.

Paul Hollywood

The eccentric comedian reportedly told pals he and the show's judge had initially found it hard to get along because they have so little in common, and though there wasn't any "tension" between them, the 51-year-old baker didn't have the warm bond with Noel that he had with the show's former hosts Mel and Sue.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Noel has confided in pals that he and Paul weren't instantly on the same page.

"They're chalk and cheese. Noel is offbeat, whereas Paul can be gruff and by-the- book. When they met, Noel realised how little they have in common.

"Paul is a total petrolhead, so to break the ice, he asked Noel if he likes cars. Noel told him he doesn't drive.

"There were a few tumbleweed moments like that. There was never any tension but it wasn't the love-in Paul had with Mel and Sue and Mary Berry."

However, the two stars are said to have overcome the awkwardness as filming progressed and get along much better now.

In contrast, the 44-year-old comic - who will co-host the show with Sandi Toksvig when it returns on Channel 4 - hit it off instantly with new judge Prue Leith and enjoys a flirtatious relationship with the 77-year-old chef.

A source said: "She seems to have been totally charmed. Noel jokes that she fancies him. It may be wishful thinking."

Not much is known about the new series of the show, but bosses recently confirmed that the episodes will run for 75 minutes - instead of an hour - due to the ad breaks that take place on Channel 4.

A spokesperson for the show said: "We have always promised viewers that they would not be short-changed on the show, even though we are an ad-funded channel. The programme will run for 75 minutes to allow that."

Not only have producers made a conscious effort to keep the running time the same as the BBC but they've also decided to keep some of the show's main format elements.

Sources have claimed the theme tune, as well as the filming location of Welford Park in Berkshire, will remain the same so as to keep loyal 'GBBO' fans from switching off.

An insider said previously "While Channel 4 are keen to put their own stamp on the show, they are not trying to reinvent the wheel.

"They want to attract new legions of Bake Off fans, but also don't want to dishearten those loyal viewers who have been watching it for years and are planning to keep doing so despite the change in channel.

"Viewers will get the familiar tent set-up, in the beautiful grounds of Welford Park, and the same theme tune they've been hearing since it was first launched in 2010."