Paul Hollywood's ex-wife Alex reveals skin cancer diagnosis as she urges fans to get marks checked

Paul Hollywood’s estranged wife Alex has told fans about her benign skin cancer diagnosis, urging people to have any skin changes or lumps checking out as soon as possible.

Alex, who split from the Great British Bake Off star in 2017, told fans that it did “freak her out” to be told she had basal cell carcinoma but was “sent to a specialist who dealt with it quickly and painlessly”.

“I was in two minds about whether or not to do this video for Instagram, but then I want to tell you why I've got this plaster on the side of my nose and these marks on my cheek,” Alex said in a social media video.

“A couple of weeks ago, I went to go and see my GP and he diagnosed me with BCC, that's Basal Cell Carcinoma, that is benign skin cancer to you and me, and yes, it did freak me out a little bit at first, but he sent me to go and see a specialist who dealt with it straight away, very quickly, very painlessly.”

Alex explained that she had a “couple of marks left” but “everything was going to be fine and go back to normal”.

The chef concluded: “If you notice anything unusual about your skin, any marks that won't go away, any moles that change shape, go and get them checked out. If you get them checked out and dealt with straight away you've got nothing to worry about and there is nothing to be scared of.”

Alongside the video, Alex called the experience a “wake up call” and attribute it to “years spent poolside and mucking about in boats with little or no sunscreen”.

“We all need to be more self aware, so with that in mind - I really hope you’ll all have a good look at yourselves tonight in the bathroom mirror,” she finished. “if you’re not sure about something .. go see your GP!”

Fans rushed to support Alex after her announcement, with many praising her for speaking out and raising awareness.