Paul Hollywood has announced he is separating from his wife, Alexandra, after 20 years of marriage.
The ‘Great British Bake Off’ judge and his wife issued a joint statement confirming the news on Monday evening.
It reads: “It is with sadness that we have decided to separate. Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son... we ask the press and public to allow us privacy during this very difficult time.”
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Paul and Alexandra Hollywood
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment
The couple previously split in 2013 when he admitted having an affair with Marcela Valladolid, his co-presenter on the US version of ‘Bake Off’.
He later described it as “the biggest mistake of my life” during an interview with BBC Radio Five Live.
He said: “I did have an affair in America with my co-judge and it was the biggest mistake of my life because actually I still love my wife.
“We are talking, we are working to get back together again but it’s going to take time.
“I was shocked about the whole thing kicking off the way it did... but I deserved it and I’ve taken it. It was my punishment.”
The couple, who met in Cyprus in 1996, got back together just months after the news of the affair made headlines.
Two years later Paul revealed they were in “a very good place”.
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PA Archive/PA Images
He said: “We went through a very difficult time but we’re on top right now ... There was no let-up but now I feel we’re in a very good place. I think this is the happiest we’ve ever been. Our love of food is the key to it all.
“We love going out and have done that a lot this year. We’re away for Valentine’s Day. That was my idea. I can be a romantic. The way to every woman’s heart is through her stomach. Food is at the core of everything.”
Alex added: “You’ve just got to get on with life, haven’t you? I’m an eternal optimist, he’s an optimist.
“We’re having a good time. The most romantic thing he did was bake chocolate croissants on a Sunday morning. That was a lovely thing to do.”
Paul will return as a judge for the second series of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ on Channel 4 next year.
Celebs Who Handled Their Splits Like A Boss
Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake(01 of11)
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Let's be honest, break-ups can be messy, particularly in the glare of the spotlight, so it's good to see when two celebrities can put their differences aside and still be friends, as Cameron and Justin did - even eventually going on to star in 'Bad Teacher' together. (credit:Jim Spellman via Getty Images)
Harry Styles(02 of11)
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No one is exactly sure what happened between Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, but even after she appeared to mock him during an awards show performance, he's had nothing but good things to say about her and her music in the press.
Whether he's genuinely happy for her, or he's simply killing her with kindness is unclear, but either way, we could all learn a thing or two from Hazza. (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston(03 of11)
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And speaking of how to flawlessly handle a break-up... The media coverage surrounding Jennifer Aniston for the decade after her split from Brad Pitt, was often unnecessary, cruel and steeped in sexism.
Through it all, though, she kept her head high, continued working and, more importantly, smiling away, despite what was said about her in the press.
Now she's one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, and is married to her long-time partner, Justin Theroux. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Mariah Carey(04 of11)
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When she and the father of her two children, Nick Cannon, split, Mariah was determined not to give the press the dirt they were craving.
So much so, when approached by a TMZ reporter, Mimi said simply: "Oh, it's much too hot to talk."
Flawless. (credit:Ethan Miller via Getty Images)
Elin Nordegren(05 of11)
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Elin Nordegren - better known as the former Mrs Tiger Woods - is our personal break-up hero.
So, your husband has repeatedly cheated on you and the world's media are talking about it? Whatever.
Elin's attitude throughout the scandal was flawless: head down, sunglasses on ... and just wait for that divorce settlement to roll in. Props to you, Elin. (credit:Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images)
Katy Perry(06 of11)
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However, sometimes it's difficult to pretend you're anything other than hurt. And do you know what? That's OK too.
In showing her vulnerable side in her documentary film, 'Part Of Me', Katy undoubtedly assured a lot of people that it's not about how hard you fall, it's how you get back up again. (credit:JB Lacroix via Getty Images)
Gwyneth Paltrow(07 of11)
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Gwyneth Paltrow hasn't had a bad word to say about Chris Martin ever since they "consciously uncoupled" in 2014, and even spoke favourably about his relationship with Jennifer Lawrence.
Instead, she focused on her own career, her family and friends, and the continuing growth of her site, Goop. Now that's how you tackle a break-up like a boss. (credit:Sonia Moskowitz via Getty Images)
Katie Price(08 of11)
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Perhaps not quite to this extent, but sometimes a night out with your friends can be just the thing to get you through a break-up, as Katie Price proved when she flew to Ibiza, shortly after splitting up from Peter Andre. (credit:Dave Wood via Getty Images)
Jennifer Lopez(09 of11)
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Determined not to let anyone paint her as a victim, J-Lo bounced back from her split with Marc Anthony by getting together with a far younger man.
Nice one, Jen. (credit:Gregg DeGuire via Getty Images)
Perrie Edwards(10 of11)
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Similarly, the world of entertainment journalism seemed determined to paint Perrie Edwards as a victim when she broke up with ex-fiancé Zayn Malik, particularly when he quickly got together with Gigi Hadid.
How did she respond to that? With independence anthem 'Shout Out To My Ex', which quickly topped the UK singles chart, and bagged Little Mix their first ever Brit Award. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Adele(11 of11)
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And then, of course, there's Adele, who managed to turn her disastrous break-up to her advantage and bag herself a wheelbarrow of Grammys, which we have all the admiration in the world for.
What was it Beyoncé said about 'lemons' and 'lemonade' again..? (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)