Great British Bake Off viewers were thrilled for one contestant on the show after she earned a handshake from Paul Hollywood for her efforts.

Cristy's savoury pies during the opening Signature Challenge of the episode were highly praised by both Hollywood and Prue Leith, with Hollywood then offering a handshake to her delight.

Many Bake Off viewers were pleased for Cristy after some difficult performances in earlier episodes.

The fifth episode of the 2023 series was Pastry Week and in a summary on the Radio Times, it said: "The bakers do their best to avoid a soggy bottom in Pastry Week.

"They begin with a Signature savoury picnic pie before tackling a French rough puff pastry in the Technical challenge.

"The Showstopper sees the bakers creating a decorative sweet pie."

Great British Bake Off viewers thrilled for Cristy

Viewers of the Channel 4 baking show were very happy to see Cristy earn some recognition for her opening dish.

One posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Wow! First time I recall Christy getting any praise through the whole series and here she is with a handshake. Well done, Christy!"

Another wrote: "Handshake for Cristy!!!! What a lift that is from last week."

Meanwhile, someone else shared: "Well done, Cristy! A Paul Hollywood handshake, during pastry week too, is such an achievement!"

Commenting on the episode generally one account posted: "Soggy bottoms AND a Hollywood Handshake in the space of 5 minutes?? This episode is truly an emotional rollercoaster."

The Great British Bake Off continues on Channel 4 at 8pm on Tuesdays