Paul Hollywood's huge earnings make him one of TV's top paid stars after pay rise

Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has become one of the UK's highest-earning television personalities with a whopping £14 million in earnings last year. At 58, the celebrity baker's fortune soared as he paid himself £14,146,703 in 2023, as per his latest financial disclosures, boosting his already substantial net worth which is believed to be close to £12 million from his bakery business and TV appearances.

The Daily Mirror uncovered that Hollywood's firm, HJP Media LLP, enjoyed profits of £9,873,200 in the previous year, alongside holding assets over £4 million. Earning more than £270,000 weekly, Hollywood's income rivals that of global football stars.

According to the Mirror, the impressive £14 million-plus was drawn as dividends from his private company. The recent accounts for Paul's business reveal: "Profit for the financial year available for discretionary division among members was £9,873,200."

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"Members' interest after profit for the year was £14,146,703. Repayment of capital was £14,146,703." Paul, who has been a staple on Bake Off since its inception in 2010, contributing to its success, has diversified his income through lucrative deals including branded cookery products found in major retailers like Waitrose and Sainsbury's.

Additionally, he's reportedly secured a hefty six-figure sum to appear in an advertisement for Go Compare alongside the company's famous Meerkats mascots. Paul's salary has reportedly seen a significant boom, going up from £500,000 to a whopping £600,000 per year.

The celebrity chef has also amassed a small fortune through his other ventures such as hosting TV series like 'Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico', 'Paul Hollywood Eats Japan' and 'Big Continental Road Trip'.

He further padded his bank account with profits from the sales of his 11 successful books which have clocked over 700,000 copies sold. Earlier this year, the culinary superstar received an MBE at Windsor Castle and delightedly shared the news on Instagram, saying: "I'm over the moon to be mentioned in the King's New Year Honours list and awarded an MBE! I'm thrilled... wow Paul Hollywood MBE! ".