Food writer Alex Hollywood and The Great British Bake Off judge were married for nearly 20 years and have a son together. They announced their separation in a joint statement in November 2017, with Alex reported to have cited adultery in the divorce papers as the reason for the irretrievable breakdown of their marriage.
The celebrity baker has a new partner, Summer Monteys-Fulham, but denies that they started their relationship before his marriage ended. It was also widely reported, and Hollywood publicly admitted, that he had a brief affair in 2013 with his co-star Marcela Valladolid on the US version of Bake Off. At that time, Alex and Paul Hollywood separated but were able to reconcile.
Mediation fails
The latest news on the Hollywood divorce is that talks to determine a financial arrangement for the divorce have broken down. Mediation has been attempted, but reportedly has failed. The couple are unable to reach an agreement, potentially due to the emotionally charged nature of the adultery claim.
It will now be left in the hands of the UK legal system to decide how their fortune should be split. As with all divorce cases, the reason given for the breakdown of the relationship – adultery in this instance – will not be taken into account when dividing assets. The court will start from a principle of assets being divided 50/50 between the two parties. This will include all jointly owned and other marital assets, including shared property, both of their respective earnings, businesses and pension pots.
What are the Hollywoods worth?
Being in the public eye, Paul Hollywood’s earnings have been much discussed in the press. The couple are believed to jointly own a £2.5 million house in Kent, while Paul Hollywood has recently signed a new £2 million deal with Channel 4 to continue judging the ever-popular Bake Off series. He also has a range of businesses, including those relating to baking mixes and icings, cookbooks and other projects.
Alex Hollywood is a food writer currently looking to restart her own career as a TV chef, soon to star on the BBC Good Food Show alongside former Bake Off judge Mary Berry.
Speaking to Prima Magazine about the separation, Alex Hollywood said:
“Paul and I had an ordinary marriage,”
“It lasted 19 years with a hiccup in the middle and then an abrupt end. But I have a son and I had to be strong for him.
‘No one should underestimate how separation and divorce can hit you. I compare it to a moment where you’re driving along the motorway and then the next moment, something beyond your control happens and you’re driving in a completely wrong direction.”
If you need help with the financial arrangements of a divorce, or you’re struggling to reach an agreement with your ex-partner and think mediation could be the answer, get in touch with Wirral divorce solicitor Tracey Miller Family Law for expert assistance.