Summer thought Paul would pop the question but instead he asked for gagging order

PAUL Hollywood’s ex-love believed the Bake Off star was about to propose – but instead of a ring he gave her a gagging order that broke them apart. The TV star, 53, had just finalised his divorce from ex-wife Alex – leaving Summer Monteys–Fullam, 24, convinced he would make things official with an engagement sparkler.

But Paul’s solicitor handed the ex-barmaid a legal contract never to reveal details of their life together. “She was totally heartbroken that Paul would even ask her to sign such a thing and took it as an insult,” said a source. “It showed her how he really viewed their relationship.”

Summer was worried she could not even speak to family and friends if she signed and realised the trust between them had gone.

Soon after, she packed her bags in the early hours of Thursday Friday night he licked his wounds on a jaunt with pals. He partied happily in his hometown Wallasey on Merseyside a week earlier too.

On Friday he had a boozy night with pals at The Jug and Bottle in Heswall, posing for pics with locals.

“It was mainly the women who went for him, obviously,” a barman said. “He was very polite and didn’t turn down any requests. He was quite jovial about it all.”

The next night he ate Bang Bang Chicken, garlic bread and chips with relatives at the Otto Lounge.

Summer met Paul at his local pub in the summer of 2017.

Paul’s ex-wife Alex – who reportedly clashed with Summer in Marks & Spencer – is said to be on holiday but aware of events.

Yesterday the star’s solicitor Tom Amlot confirmed: “I asked Summer to sign an NDA as is standard practise in order to protect Paul’s family and their private lives.

“I think her refusal to discuss or sign it caused concern, understandably.

“So it’s not entirely surprising they’ve gone their separate ways.”

The showstopping split comes ahead of The Great British Bake Off ’s Channel 4 return this month.