‘Paul was silly to get close to Candice’

After Paul Hollywood is accused of kissing Bake Off’s Candice Brown, insiders say it’s caused tension at home

He hit the headlines H last week, when he was pictured in what appeared to be a close embrace with former Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown as they kissed at the Pride of Britain Awards.

Despite rumours over whether the embrace was anything more than friendly, Paul Hollywood laughed off the accusations – but sources say the photos caused tension with wife Alexandra, whom he married in 1998.

The photos show Paul, 51, leaning towards Candice, 32 – who won Bake Off in 2016 – and kissing her while cupping the back of her head with his hand, with onlookers saying the pair were “all over each other” throughout the night.

Candice – who got engaged to her long-term boyfriend Liam Macaulay earlier this month – poked fun at the speculation over the photos, Tweeting, “No kisses or hugs hello or goodbye from now on – handshakes or waves only!” While Paul seemed to share her sense of disbelief over the rumours, and replied, “Incredible!” with a laughing face emoji.

However, insiders say the photos have put pressure on Paul’s marriage to wife Alex. He has previously admitted to having an affair with American chef and his co-host of The

Jack and Lauren reportedly called time on their relationship six months ago but it appears amicable, with them recently spotted enjoying lunch out with their children, Nyla, eight, and Reuben, four.