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Who is Paul Hollywood's wife? Everything you need to know

The Great British Bake Off star split from Alex Hollywood in 2017

Paul Hollywood and Melissa Spalding looking dapper at a premiere
Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
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It's always a fun time watching Paul Hollywood on Channel 4's The Great British Bake Off, which will be returning to our screens for its fourteenth season later this year.

MORE: Great British Bake Off: meet the partners of the judges and hosts

Paul wearing a black suit at NTAs© Getty
Paul is best-known for his role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off

While the 56-year-old is best known for handing out the famous 'Hollywood handshake' on the beloved baking programme, how much do you know about his wife?

Who is Paul Hollywood married to? 

Paul Hollywood is married to 39-year-old Melissa Spalding. The duo said "I do" in a gorgeous ceremony in Cyprus earlier this month. The smitten couple celebrated their love for one another by exchanging vows in the Ayia Athanasia chapel, which is situated on the grounds of Anassa Hotel, a luxury hotel. 

Paul and Melissa later enjoyed a reception and party in the hotel grounds, with over 75 of their closest family and friends in attendance.

How did the couple meet? 

The pair are thought to have met at her pub, which is close to his home. According to The Mail on Sunday, Melissa moved into his 18th century farmhouse during lockdown after the owners of her pub, where she was previously living, put it up for sale.

MORE: Paul Hollywood's ultra private home life with girlfriend Melissa Spalding revealed

Paul with his girlfriend Melissa at a premiere © Getty
Paul with his wife Melissa

Before meeting Melissa, Paul dated Summer Monteys-Fullam, until they broke up in August 2019.

The talent show judge has been referred to as a heartthrob in the past, but has laughed off taking such comments too seriously. In an interview with Platinum magazine in 2022, he said: "I mean, ultimately, it’s very flattering and I’ve had a few marriage proposals, which is odd, but you don’t take that sort of stuff to heart because it’s just a bit of fun.

Paul laughing on stage discussing his book© Getty
Paul discussing his new book Bake in 2022

"You could put anybody in my position, and they’d get the same attention," he claimed.

Who is Paul Hollywood's ex-wife?

Paul was previously married to Alex Hollywood, a cook and family food writer. The former couple are believed to have met in Cyprus in 1997 and tied the knot two years later.

The pair first split in 2013 after Paul reportedly had an affair with his American Baking Competition co-star, Marcela Valladolid. The couple reconciled soon after, but in 2017 Paul and Alex divorced. Despite their divorce, Alex has still kept the name Hollywood. See her emotional reasons for doing this in the video below.

WATCH: Alex Hollywood tells Loose Women why she's keeping her ex-husband's name

Following their second split, Alex accused the celebrity baker of multiple infidelities during their 20 year marriage.

MORE: Paul Hollywood takes to social media following ex wife's claims of infidelities

RELATED: Paul Hollywood on split with ex-wife Alex: 'I didn't want to carry on'

Speaking in his Platinum magazine interview, Paul revealed the time after his split with his wife of 20 years was very difficult for him. He said: "I was in a really dark place. I didn't want to carry on at one point. Most of what was being said was a lie or a twisted truth.

Paul in a suit with Alex in 2015 © Getty
Paul with Alex in 2015

"The truth was very different to what the tabloids were writing," Paul continued. "The press intrusion can be such a horrible thing to deal with, and it isn't fair, because there's no right to reply."

He added: "I've withdrawn a lot in the last six years and I'm happiest at home, just putting on my slippers and dressing gown in front of the telly. I don't go out that much and being in large groups of people makes me nervous."

Does Paul Hollywood have any children?

The Great British Bake Off judge has one child, a son named Josh, which he shares with his ex-wife Alex.

In 2019, a representative of Alex told The Mail on Sunday that Paul had not seen his son in two years since his parents split in 2017. "Paul hasn’t seen his son since November 2017 and the split has been deeply distressing to him," the paper was told.

NOW READ: Exclusive: Prue Leith reveals how 'softie' Paul Hollywood has become a great friend

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