Bake-off star says sorry for Nazi upset

‘They were laughing about it and happily posed for a picture at the bar’

Bake Off star Paul Hollywood says he is devastated if he caused offence after pictures of him dressed in a Nazi uniform in a pub emerged.

The baker, who lives near Canterbury, posed for photographs clad in a red swastika armband, iron cross, a white eagle Nazi badge and a peaked cap.

The photos, revealed by the Sun newspaper at the weekend, were taken at the White Stag in Monkton.

The 51-year-old celebrity chef said: “I am absolutely devastated if this caused offence to anyone.

“The picture was taken 14 years ago en route to a Comedy TV shows-themed New Year’s Eve party and a group of us dressed up as characters from the classic TV show ’Allo ’Allo.

“Everyone who knows me knows I am incredibly proud of the efforts of those, includ- ing my own grandfather, who fought against the Nazis during the war.”

The celebrity chef can be seen smiling as he poses for a photo with a friend, also in full German military uniform.

A source told the Sun newspaper: “Paul and his mate popped in for a drink and their wives joined them later.

“To them it was a great big joke to be wearing a Nazi uniform, and they were laughing about it and happily posed for a picture at the bar.

“But some found it offensive – especially the fact they thought it was really funny.”

Paul Hollywood has apologised after pictures of him dressed as a Nazi were printed in The Sun