Bake Off's Paul Hollywood has insisted he is not getting "softer" and that the increase in his handshakes is down to the high standard of the competition.

The Wallasey-born TV judge's signature seal of approval is reserved for the very best bakes on the Channel 4 programme, but last year viewers said he was dishing them out "like an over-eager salesman".

Ahead of the new series of the baking show, Hollywood explained that the quality of the bakes had just improved over the years.

"I haven't got softer - it's just the bakers have got better," he said.

Fellow judge Prue Leith added: "He's very, very reluctant to give any handshakes. They're forced out of him."

Hollywood went on: "Usually it's Prue dragging my hand across.

"But this year it's the same, I did give out a few handshakes but it's to do with the quality of the baking.

"I give them out at a certain level and there on in, if you get past that level, then you deserve a handshake regardless. The standard has just got better, that's all.

"I want to give everybody a handshake. But it's a competition and people fail sometimes."

The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday, August 28.