The Great Bake Off Judge: 5 Surprising Facts About Paul Hollywood's New Marriage And Life Off-Screen

The question of "Is Paul Hollywood married?" has been one of the most frequently searched queries about the legendary baker and television personality. As of late 2025, the answer is a definitive and resounding yes. The famously blue-eyed judge of *The Great British Bake Off* (GBBO) is a newlywed, having tied the knot in a lavish, yet private, ceremony abroad. This new chapter marks a significant fresh start in the life of the Master Baker, following a tumultuous period of high-profile relationships and a public divorce.

The details of his recent nuptials are as intriguing as any Hollywood romance, featuring an exotic location and a guest list that included his closest colleagues from the world of baking. We delve into the current marital status of the celebrity chef, the woman who captured his heart, and the surprising facts surrounding their idyllic wedding, which was a true showstopper event.

Paul Hollywood: Master Baker, TV Judge, and MBE - A Complete Profile

Paul John Hollywood, widely recognised as the stern but fair judge on *The Great British Bake Off*, has a career that spans decades, beginning long before his television fame. His journey from a humble bakery to international celebrity chef status is a testament to his skill and passion for baking.

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• Full Name: Paul John Hollywood MBE
• Date of Birth: 1 March 1966
• Birthplace: Wallasey, Cheshire, England
• Parents: John F. Hollywood (Bakery Proprietor) and a mother who was a sculptor
• Early Career: He initially studied sculpture at Wallasey School of Art before joining his father’s bakery business. He trained as a Master Baker and worked in some of Britain's most exclusive hotels, including The Dorchester and Cliveden, and later became Head Baker at hotels in Cyprus.
• Television Career: He rose to prominence as a judge on *The Great British Bake Off* (originally on BBC Two, now Channel 4) alongside Mary Berry, and later Prue Leith. He has also starred in *Paul Hollywood’s Bread* and *The Great American Baking Show*.
• Honours: He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to baking and broadcasting.

The Master Baker's personal life has often been as public as his professional one. He was previously married to Alexandra Hollywood, with whom he shares a son, Josh. Their marriage, which began in the late 1990s, ended in a high-profile divorce, paving the way for his current, happier union.

The Complete Timeline: Paul Hollywood and Melissa Spalding’s Romance

Paul Hollywood’s current wife is Melissa Spalding, a former pub landlady who is significantly younger than the television star. Their relationship, which began in relative privacy, solidified quickly and culminated in a beautiful Mediterranean wedding.

How They Met: The Chequers Inn Connection

The couple first met at The Chequers Inn, a pub in the village of Smarden, Kent, where Melissa was working as a landlady and bartender. Their paths crossed shortly after Paul’s separation from his previous long-term partner.

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A Private Relationship Begins

Paul and Melissa's relationship was first confirmed publicly in late 2019, around the time Paul's divorce from his first wife was being finalised. They spent Christmas of 2019 together, signalling the seriousness of their commitment. The couple kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, preferring to enjoy their time together away from the constant media scrutiny that often follows the *GBBO* judge.

The Road to the Altar

After about four years of dating, the couple decided to make it official. While they were known to be engaged, the actual wedding date was a closely guarded secret until it happened. The relationship was described as strong and supportive, with Melissa being credited for bringing stability to Paul’s life after a turbulent few years.

Inside Paul Hollywood's Idyllic Cyprus Wedding to Melissa Spalding

The answer to "Is Paul Hollywood married?" became a firm 'yes' in September 2023, when he and Melissa Spalding exchanged vows in a stunning, sun-drenched ceremony. The details of the wedding were both luxurious and highly sentimental, connecting Paul’s past with his future.

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The Sentimental Venue Choice

The wedding took place at a luxury hotel in Cyprus, a location that holds deep personal significance for the baker. Cyprus is not only a beautiful Mediterranean destination, but it is also the country where Paul worked as Head Baker for six years and, surprisingly, where he first met his ex-wife, Alexandra. Choosing this location for his second marriage was a bold, sentimental move, perhaps signifying a full circle moment and a fresh start in a place of great personal history.

A Star-Studded Guest List

The ceremony was intimate, with approximately 75 guests flying out to the island for the celebration. Among the attendees was Paul's co-star and fellow *Great British Bake Off* judge, Prue Leith. Leith’s presence underscored the close working relationship and personal friendship between the two judges, adding a touch of *GBBO* glamour to the proceedings.

The Luxury and Privacy of the Ceremony

The nuptials were a tasteful and elegant affair, held at a beautiful hotel located on the unspoilt north-west Akamas peninsula. The decision to marry abroad ensured a high degree of privacy, allowing the couple to celebrate their union away from the intense media spotlight of the UK. The event was described by sources as an idyllic and romantic occasion, marking a happy new chapter for the couple.

Life as a Newlywed: Paul Hollywood's Focus on Stability and Baking

Since the September 2023 wedding, Paul Hollywood has offered only rare, brief insights into his life as a newlywed. The focus remains on a stable, private life with his new wife, Melissa, while maintaining his demanding television career.

A Stable Home Life

The couple resides in Kent, where they enjoy a quiet life away from the cameras. Melissa, with her background as a pub landlady, is seen as a grounding force for the celebrity chef. Sources close to the couple suggest that the marriage has brought a sense of calm and happiness to Paul's often hectic life. The stability of their relationship is a stark contrast to the drama that surrounded his previous split, allowing him to focus on his professional endeavours.

Continuing the Legacy of *The Great British Bake Off*

Professionally, Paul Hollywood's career continues to thrive. He remains the cornerstone of *The Great British Bake Off*, known for his signature handshake and his expert, often critical, judging of the contestants’ bakes. His continuity on the show, alongside Prue Leith, ensures the programme retains its high standards and massive global appeal. The show, along with his personal brand, continues to cement his status as a leading authority in the world of baking.

In conclusion, Paul Hollywood is happily married to Melissa Spalding, having celebrated their wedding in a meaningful ceremony in Cyprus in 2023. This union marks a joyful and stable new phase for the Master Baker, solidifying his personal life while his professional career continues to soar.