Great British Bake Off makes history as they cast deaf contestant

Great British Bake Off will see it’s first deaf contestant take part in this year’s competition with hopes of getting the iconic Paul Hollywood handshake.

Bake Off judges Prue Leith and Paul are learning sign language to pass on their critiques – as one of this year’s contestants is deaf.

It is the first time the amateur version of the popular Channel 4 show has had a deaf baker. But there have been mixed results as judges rise to the communication challenge.

Filming on the latest series began last month and producers are determined the unnamed contestant does not feel isolated.

So Dame Prue and Paul – along with Noel Fielding and new presenter Alison Hammond – are learning basic skills.

A source said: “We’re working really hard to make the contestant feel included and the stars wanted to make an effort to learn sign language on the show by getting a teacher.

“They’re all having a go and making headway with basic communication skills.”

But Dame Prue has revealed she is struggling to get to grips with it. The 83-year-old cookery writer admitted: “I’m not very good at sign language, but Paul is.”

Natasha Robinson, from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said: “It is wonderful to learn there is a deaf contestant and the judges and contestants have been learning British Sign Language.

“Moments of representation like this are so important. We will certainly be tuning into GBBO and cheering them on.”

Sister show Bake Off: The Professionals had a deaf pastry chef, Sam Widnall, among its line-up in 2019.

He communicated with his colleague Adam Cleal via a note-writing system.

Great British Bake Off will return later this year to Channel 4.