Paul Hollywood and wife Alexandra's marriage crumbled after 'damage had been done'

They were married for nearly 20 nears but Paul and Alexandra Hollywood‘s relationship has sadly crumbled.

The Great British Bake Off judge and his other half are said to have “worked really hard” to keep their union going but it ultimately proved too tricky, with sources claiming part of the reason was because of his rise in fame, and his previous affair in the US.

An insider told The Sun: “The truth is they’ve worked really hard to salvage their relationship but just couldn’t recover from the damage that had been done.

“The more famous Paul has become, the more attention he has been getting, and that has put huge strain on the marriage.

“He’s so recognisable that it’s now got to the stage where he simply can’t go anywhere without fans, often attractive, younger women, racing to get close to him.

“Paul plays up to it and enjoys the attention which he thinks is harmless but obviously Alex doesn’t see it that way – especially after his affair.”

While Paul and Alexandra – who have 14-year-old son Josh – have now confirmed their marriage is over, their break up is said to have been in the pipeline “for some time”.

The source added: “Sadly, this has been on the cards for some time. Now they’ve made it official.”

The pair revealed last night they have decided to go their separate ways, insisting their “focus” will be on their teenage son Josh.

Paul and Alexandra said in a joint statement: “It is with sadness that we have decided to separate.

“Our focus continues to be the happiness of our son, and we would ask the press and public to allow us privacy as a family during this very difficult time.”

The couple previously split back in 2013 when he admitted to having an affair with Marcela Valladolid, his co-star on the US version of The Great British Bake Off.

Describing the infidelity at the time, he said it was the “biggest mistake of his life”, but he and Alexandra did reconcile.

Speaking in 2015, Paul said: “We went through a very difficult time but we’re on top right now … There was no let-up but now I feel we’re in a very good place. I think this is the happiest we’ve ever been. Our love of food is the key to it all.

“We love going out and have done that a lot this year. We’re away for Valentine’s Day. That was my idea. I can be a romantic. The way to every woman’s heart is through her stomach. Food is at the core of everything.”

Alexandra added: “You’ve just got to get on with life, haven’t you? I’m an eternal optimist, he’s an optimist. We’re having a good time.

“The most romantic thing he did was bake chocolate croissants on a Sunday morning. That was a lovely thing to do.”

Paul and former Bake Off winner Candice Brown were picture appearing to share what The Sun described as an “intimate kiss” at a party recently.

But Candice laughed off the report, and a spokeswoman for both Paul and Candice said what was pictured was an “innocent kiss on the cheek”.

She that it was “untrue” to describe it as an “intimate kiss”.

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