Bake Off's Paul Hollywood bears an uncanny likeness to co-judge Noel Fielding as he shares throwback photo with long dark hair

Published: 04:43 EDT, 27 October 2026 | Updated: 05:18 EDT, 27 October 2026 Bake Off's Paul Hollywood bears an uncanny likeness to co-judge Noel Fielding as he shared a throwback photo with long hair on Instagram on Sunday. The TV judge, 60, who is known for his salt-and-pepper hair, looked worlds away from himself in the old picture as he rocked long black locks. He wrote: 'Pictures mid long hair obviously with cat too!!' But fans were more convinced Paul resembled co-star Noel, 53, who has a shaggy, black layered hair do. They wrote: 'This could easily by Noel; That looks like Noel; Thought this was Noel for a second.'Paul added: 'Agree, I'm older so he was channeling me!' Bake Off's Paul Hollywood bears an uncanny likeness to co-judge Noel Fielding as he shared a throwback photo with long hair on Instagram on Sunday Noel is known for his shaggy, black layered do; pictured on Great British Bake Off It comes after Paul revealed he will need surgery on his hands after a 12-year battle with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common medical condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow, rigid passageway of bones and ligaments in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel.The TV chef took to Instagram to explain why he was wearing arm supports at the airport.Paul said: 'I've got Carpal tunnel syndrome. I was diagnosed about 12 years ago now. It's severe in both. It's down to my job from working with dough for over thirty years. Occasionally it flares up and I wear a brace.The presenter added the condition was aggravated by testing a race car a few months ago and hurt his hand with the steering wheel spinning round.Paul said wearing a brace helps provide support and stabilises his hands when the condition flares up.He added he would need surgery on both of his hands soon.It comes after the new series of Great British Bake Off kicked off last month and viewers got their first look at his new judging partnership with Nigella Lawson, who has replaced Prue Leith in the famous Bake Off tent. Fans were more convinced Paul resembled co-star Noel, 53, they wrote: 'This could easily by Noel; That looks like Noel; Thought this was Noel for a second' The TV judge, 60, who is now known for his salt-and-pepper hair, added: 'Agree, I'm older so he was channeling me!'And Nigella rose to the occasion as she made her debut with critics lavishing praise on the long-running show's new hiring, declaring Nigella has revitalised the somewhat stale format after 17 series.Fans praised Nigella for making the most of the chance to taste the bakers' creations by helping herself to a big portion.They wrote: 'Yay - Nigella Lawson is back on the telly!' and 'Crying at Bake Off having Prue Leith 'regenerate' into Nigella Lawson''Love how Nigella is inhaling these cakes - proper tasting, what a woman!''Nigella bringing back the joy, wit and honesty that Mel and Sue had.''Think this means Nigella Lawson is now officially the incumbent Doctor''Nigella Lawson on Bake Off. My goodness. I adore that woman. Absolutely adore Nigella Lawson. I'm deeply content at the moment.'