Paul Hollywood accuses Mary Berry, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc of abandoning Great British Bake Off

Hollywood said it was unfair that he came “under siege” after moving to Channel 4
Happier times: Paul Hollywood with Mary Berry, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc
BBC/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon
Emma Powell21 November 2017

Paul Hollywood has accused his former Bake Off co-stars of abandoning the popular show following its move from BBC One to Channel 4.

The TV chef, 51, faced a backlash after he continued with the baking series while fellow judge Mary Berry and presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins stepped down.

Hollywood said it was unfair that he came “under siege,” adding he struggled to cope with the fall out.

Speaking to Radio Times he said: “I stayed with Bake Off. The girls abandoned it. But I was the one put under siege.

“I became the most hated man in the country! It's not fun for someone that doesn't like being in the limelight.

Married man: Paul Hollywood and his wife Alexandra
Anthony Harvey/Getty

“I didn't set out to be on the telly, I set out to be a good baker. And I didn't want this.”

He added: “If you give me a cheque, you'll never see me again.”

Asked how big a cheque it would take, he said: “Not much, to be honest.”

Hollywood slammed the “older generation” for not following the show to its new home. He said: “There are people who can't get past channel one, the older generation, who don't understand how that works.

“They only flick a couple of buttons and it takes three clicks to watch Channel 4.”

Hollywood found himself back in the spotlight this week after announcing his split from his wife of nearly 20 years.

Paul and Alexandra said they called time on their marriage for the “happiness” of their son.

The news came weeks after he sparked controversy when he was spotted kissing last year’s GBBO winner, Candice Brown, although she later insisted that it was simply a “goodbye peck”.

After photos of the pair emerged, Brown wrote on Twitter: “(1/2) So invisibility cloaks are real. I was so sure you were there all night too!! @StaceySolomon @ShelaghFogarty @Poppy_Talent.

“(2/2) No kisses or hugs hello or goodbye from now on- handshakes or waves only!

Stars arrive for the glitzy Pride of Britain awards 2017

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