Summer Monteys-Fullam suing Paul Hollywood for making 'highly defamatory statements'

Paul Hollywood is being sued by ex-girlfriend Summer Monteys-Fullam over “highly defamatory statements” made by the Great British Bake Off star.

The couple began dating two years ago, but the relationship became rocky when Hollywood asked Monteys-Fullam to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Read more: Just why has Paul Hollywood's girlfriend called time on their 2-year relationship?

The pair split and the 53-year-old claimed Monteys-Fullam had been "making money" off their relationship by arranging paparazzi shots of the herself.

But the 24-year-old has hit back at the comments via social media, threatening legal action against her ex-lover.

Posting on Instagram, she said: "I am very disappointed and distressed by false and highly defamatory statements that Paul has made about me online since our breakup.

"I have had no alternative but to instruct my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to pursue legal proceedings against Paul in order to obtain vindication.

"I have never courted publicity over my relationship with Paul and I am deeply disappointed that the relationship has ended in this way. I have no further comment on the matter and ask that my and my family's privacy be respected."

The pair began dating after meeting at Hollywood’s local pub where Monteys-Fullam was a barmaid. Hollywood was still married to wife of 19-years Alex at the time, though he has claimed there was no overlap between splitting with his wife and dating the younger woman.

Read more: Paul Hollywood's ex Summer Monteys-Fullam says she was 'thrown under the bus'

Speaking shortly after the split, Tom Amlot, Hollywood’s solicitor said: "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."

The former barmaid said she felt “so betrayed by the NDA” particularly with “how much pressure Paul and his lawyers” put on her to sign it.