Men Of The Year: Paul Hollywood

Silver-fox pork pie crusader who made it OK for men to talk croquembouche...

With his icy-blue eyes, Scouse charm and manly dough-pummelling hands, Paul Hollywood has proved that men across the land can – and should – show off their homemade tarts with pride. The bad cop to Mary Berry’s good cop explains why his fans are only getting stranger…

What’s been this year’s weirdest fan encounter?

People stop and say “Have you got a soggy bottom?”, “Check out my buns”, “Feel me baps”. I’ve heard them all. It’s like a Carry On film.

Has anyone ever dressed up as you?

Yeah, a few people do that at demonstrations. And there’s a mask with my face on it. Lots of people do cakes with my face on.

Pies are a big focus in your new show. Why do you think men are drawn to pies?

It’s proper food. Especially coming into this time of year in winter, when you want some real comfort food. It’s like putting a blanket around you.

Have you tried a Cronut?

I had one in New York – they’re all right. You know the yum yums that have been around for ages? That’s basically a Cronut. It’s all just down to marketing, I don’t think they’re that nice.

Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds, £20 (Bloomsbury)

(Image: BBC)