The superstar baker admitted that he’s lost friends to the terrible disease, and hopes that new Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off Special will be able to raise money and awareness
Paul Hollywood fears he’ll be hit by cancer now he’s in his late-50s.
The Bake Off judge recently lost a close friend to the disease, which was a reminder that it could happen to him. He said: “I’ve been lucky with my family. There isn’t cancer really in my family at the moment. But we’ve got friends… someone I know has just died. You’re acutely aware.
“As you get older, you tend to hear it more. In your 20s, 30s, 40s, you think: ‘I’ll live forever…’ and, all of a sudden, your 50s start and you think: ‘Hang on, I’m losing mates here. What’s going on?’”
Paul films the celebrity version of Bake Off to help top charity Stand Up To Cancer. It helps raise cash to fund vital research. The show brings together well-known faces from across the entertainment industry, allowing them to showcase their baking skills while supporting a cause that affects so many people.
He said: “It shines a light on the big problem of cancer in this country and what Stand Up to Cancer is trying to do.” The initiative, which has been running for several years, has already raised millions for groundbreaking cancer research, helping to fund new treatments and improve survival rates.
Many of the contestants on the new series have been affected by cancer, including Gloria Hunniford, who lost her daughter Caron Keating to breast cancer.
Paul gets emotional hearing their stories during filming. He said: “We don’t dig around too much into that, but it does come out and you have a bit of a lump in your throat.”
The atmosphere in the Bake Off tent becomes even more poignant as celebrities open up about their experiences, sharing their grief, hope, and determination to make a difference.
Over the years, Bake Off has been known for its lighthearted and fun approach to baking, but the Stand Up To Cancer specials add a more heartfelt dimension to the show. While there are still plenty of laughs and baking mishaps, the underlying message remains powerful: the fight against cancer is ongoing, and every contribution matters.
The series starts on Sunday night at 7.40pm on Channel 4.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
