GREAT British Bake Off hopeful Helena Garcia has a secret weapon that could tame Paul Hollywood – she is a witch who dabbles with libido-killing potions.
Spanish-born Helena, 40, who describes herself as “obsessed” with the occult, claims to communicate with animals, mix potions and cast spells.
And the mum-of-one, who lives in Leeds, has published a book in which she lists her “favourite” magic ingredients – including passion-killer Monk’s Pepper.
Describing the potent plant – known as Vitex Agnus-Castu – Helena writes: “Hmm, how to put it – this plant has the ability of taking your mojo, hence its name.
“Monks used this plant for its anti-libido properties.”
And a source joked that judge Paul, 53, who recently split from Summer Monteys-Fullam, 25, should stay well clear of Helena’s creations.
One said: “Paul has had a difficult few months, so a dose of witchcraft is the last thing he needs.”
Helena’s list – included in her Introduction to Witchery – also includes other powerful magic ingredients, such as the lethal Death Cap’s mushroom.
Known as Amanita Phalloides, it is found in woodlands, often under oak trees.
And Helena warns: “The death cap mushroom is the assassin of the Amanita species. Half a cap and you’ll be dead within hours from liver and kidney failure.”
Among her other favourites are the Amadou mushroom, which “possesses the ability to store fire” and the Mandrake, which has a “hallucinogenic” root.
In the introduction to the book, Helena explains: “My spiritual connection with nature and animals and my interest in magical plants is what makes me a witch.”
She goes on to say: “History has not been kind to witches. Persecuted, feared and misunderstood, our reputation is only now starting to shift to a more positive outlook.
“The question (if witches exist) has been at the back of people’s minds for centuries. The answer to this puzzling question is yes, they do exist. They have always existed.”
Helena, who described herself as “gothic with a Halloween twist” in interviews ahead of the show, will make her baking debut in Tuesday’s launch show.
She will be competing with wannabes including geography teacher Alice Fevronia, 28, support worker Dan Chambers, 32, and consultant Priya O’Shea, 34.
The Sun revealed last month that Paul, who split from wife Alexandra in 2017, had been dumped by barmaid Summer after asking her to sign an NDA.
