Paul Hollywood has broken his silence about his recent split from ex-girlfriend Summer Monteys-Fullam, as rumours about the specifics of their break-up continue to swirl.
Over the weekend, it was reported the pair had gone their separate ways, after he asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement, meaning she would not be allowed to publicly reveal any details about him or their relationship.
The Great British Bake Off judge has now posted his side of the story on Instagram, insisting that his choice not to speak out previously was not out of “weakness” or an “agreement [with] what’s been said” in the media, but instead to retain some peace.
“Thank you for your messages I’ve been receiving it means a lot,” he wrote. “My silence on any matters is not a sign of weakness or agreement of what’s been said, merely I prefer a quiet life away from my day job! Take what’s read with a pinch of salt and read between the lines.”
Appearing to take a shot at his ex, Paul added: “I know the public can’t be duped into believing what’s out there from a person making money selling stories! and continuously courting the paps...There’s always two sides to a story you’ve only heard one.. but alas I don’t play those games... thanks again.”
Paul’s attorney previously told PA: “I asked Summer to sign an NDA as is standard practice in order to protect Paul’s family and their private lives. Summer insisted that she had no intention of selling any stories to the press and declined.
“I think that her refusal to discuss or sign it caused concern, understandably, so it’s not entirely surprising that they have gone their separate ways.”
Last month, Paul was granted a divorce from his estranged wife Alexandra Hollywood, who he split from two years ago.
Paul is set to return to our screens for his 10th series of Great British Bake Off – the third on Channel 4 – later this month.