Doctor Who fans baffled by bizarre Paul Hollywood Bake Off crossover in Flux finale
DOCTOR Who fans were left rather bemused after Paul Hollywood’s famous Bake Off handshake was referenced in the Flux finale.
The latest episode saw Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor meet historical figure Joseph Williamson, who told her he feared his mission building the tunnels underneath Liverpool to protect the human race had been in vain.
‘No, no, no!’ the Doctor responded. “Joseph Williamson, not at all! Quite the opposite. Come here, well done.”
Sticking her hand out, she quipped: “Paul Hollywood handshake!”
For the uninitiated, Bake Off judge Paul gives out his revered handshakes when a baker has whipped up a flawless bake.
And Doctor Who viewers were quick to pick up on the reference, with many taking to Twitter to air their thoughts.
In disbelief, one fan wrote: “Never did I expect a Paul Hollywood handshake to be referenced in Doctor Who.”
Echoing their comments, someone else said: “I’ve been a Doctor Who fan since it began and tonight, I was tickled that a Paul Hollywood handshake was given by the Doctor.”
Another excited fan messaged the Bake Off judge directly and exclaimed: “Paul, you’ve just had a mention on Doctor Who!”
Elsewhere in the epic finale, we saw Jodie’s regeneration being teased as she gears up to star in her final adventures, with three specials airing next year before we’re introduced to the 14th Doctor.
It was announced in July that Jodie would be leaving as the Doctor in 2022, after she took over the keys to the Tardis in 2017.
At the time the news was confirmed, Chris also revealed that he and Jodie always knew when they would depart, explaining: “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast.
“So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the Tardis keys.
“Jodie’s magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She’s been the gold standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity and humour.
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“She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production.
“I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to!”
Doctor Who returns to BBC One on New Year’s Day.