'The Great British Baking Show': Paul Hollywood slammed for being 'ignorant' about Laura Addlington's dyspraxia

Fans called his comment asking her to 'clean her bench' a 'passive hurtful comment' toward people with dyspraxia
Paul Hollywood, Laura Adlington (Netflix)
Paul Hollywood, Laura Adlington (Netflix)

Laura Adlington's journey on 'The Great British Baking Show' has been nothing short of tumultous. Even though she has come this far and is now competing in the finals with Peter Sawkins and Dave Friday, the 31-year-old baker always had a dynamic graph. She went from bake fails to being crowned a star baker in a matter of weeks, during which she didn't let her weaknesses stand in the way. 

Laura battles dyspraxia, a neurological disorder that affects physical coordination. And that may make her messy but has never deterred her from achieving her goals. She has put in her best, her heart and soul to reach the final leg of the competition and there's no looking back now. Surprisingly, she was often jokingly called out for being messy. Judge Paul Hollywood even said: "Keep your bench clean for once." And that comment had fans disappointed. 

"I love that you have Dyspraxia! I do as well I’m always dropping things and I’m messy lol, Laura I’m so proud of you even though I don’t know you. Just ignore the nasty people!," a viewer commented on one of her Instagram posts, to which Laura responded: "Such a lovely thing to say, thank you! Here’s to being clumsy and messy."

It's evident that Laura takes the disorder in her stride and embraces it in the best way possible. In addition, she has fans rooting for her for even thinking of baking despite battling Dyspraxia. 

"I didn't watch #gbbo and it's probably a good think because reading the tweets about it is uncomfortable. Well done to @LauraAdlington most dyspraxics wouldn't bake a cake at home and you've done it on national TV. #Ignoretheignorant #dyspraxia," a user shared, while another pointed out: "Feel like I really need to sit down and explain #dyspraxia to Paul Hollywood. Just because you’re not neuro typical, doesn’t mean you’re stupid ! Often people with dyspraxia have to work so much harder to be neat & tidy but they can still be amazingly creative and skilful #GBBO." 

"Paul telling Laura to “keep your bench clean for once” is the sorta passive hurtful comments which people with #dyspraxia grow up with. I can assure you her mess isn’t intentional," a fan posted.



 



 



 

Catch 'The Great British Baking Show' on Netflix now.  

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Bertha Russell and her family face shifting social dynamics, new rivalries, and personal challenges in the next chapter
2026-10-31T06:09:14.000Z
'Fire Country' introduces a new love interest for CJ in its latest episode
2026-10-31T05:46:21.000Z
Season 20 had already finished filming by the time Paramount+ made its call on the BAU drama
2026-10-31T05:09:12.000Z
'General Hospital' fans are eager for updates on Spencer, as questions grow about his possible return to the show
2026-10-31T04:34:52.000Z
Skye becomes concerned about her mother and grandfather in the latest episode of 'Sheriff Country'
2026-10-31T03:34:03.000Z
'Haunted Hotel' blends supernatural comedy, family drama and emotional moments as Katherine and her ghostly companions face new troubles.
2026-10-30T18:06:08.000Z
‘Nocturne’ Episodes 1 and 2 set up a tense mystery around Jurek, Karl, Jonah and Saga as a missing girl’s case takes a dark turn.
2026-10-30T14:51:44.000Z
Ella Purnell returns as Rhiannon Lewis in 'Sweetpea' Season 2, where a copycat killer threatens her secrets as she juggles new relationships.
2026-10-30T12:12:22.000Z
Dexter has a younger rival who is killing across New York, and nobody knows who he is
2026-10-30T09:23:41.000Z
The actress has received four consecutive nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category.
2026-10-30T09:01:33.000Z