Paul Hollywood has reportedly been given the all-clear to bust out 'The Paul Hollywood Handshake' on the new series of The Great British Bake Off.

Having been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, filming on the new series of the Channel 4 show is now underway at a secret location somewhere in Essex.

The new crop of contestants, along with the crew, Hollywood and Prue Leith, as well as hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, have all been isolating together in their own COVID-free bubble, so physical interaction is being permitted.

"In these strange times, producers want the 2020 series to be as close to normal as possible and they feel that it wouldn't be the same without a Hollywood handshake," a source told The Sun.

"The judges and hosts - and the contestants - have all been deemed clear because of the bio-secure bubble and regular testing.

"So if the baking is up to scratch, we'll see some handshakes, and not elbow bumps, being dished out before long."

The new series is being produced at breakneck pace and is expected to be on the air next month.