Great British Break Off: Paul Hollywood splits from his wife of 15 years

Judge Paul Hollywood from the BBC's Great British Bake Off (PA)

Culinary TV star Paul Hollywood has split from his wife after 15 years of marriage.

The silver-haired 47-year-old has become a heartthrob after his appearances in The Great British Bake Off.

But the relationship between Hollywood and his wife Alexandra has now sunk and confirmation comes just days after he turned up to the TV Baftas without her.

He has recently been working on a US version of the contest called The American Baking Competition with Marcela Valladolid, 34, taking the place of cookery guru Mary Berry who starred in the BBC2 version.

A statement from Hollywood's agent said: "We confirm that Paul Hollywood has separated from his wife.

"Their priority is protecting their son. He will be making no further comment on this private matter."

The cookery expert - recently seen in Paul Hollywood's Bread - has told how he has become a sex symbol thanks to his TV appearances. In an interview he said recently: "My wife finds it hilarious - I get marriage proposals, maybe one a week."

Hollywood, from Wallasey on Merseyside, was the head baker at a number of smart hotels before finding TV fame, launching his own artisan bread firm and writing books.”

PA