The Secret Ingredient: Is Paul Hollywood Married? Inside The Bake Off Star's New Life And Tumultuous Love Story

The question of whether Paul Hollywood is married has a definitive and relatively new answer. As of late 2023, the legendary judge of The Great British Bake Off (GBBO) is indeed a married man, having tied the knot with his partner, Melissa Spalding, in a stunning ceremony abroad. This recent development, which took place in September 2023, marks a fresh and significant chapter in the celebrity chef's often-publicized private life, putting an end to years of speculation following his high-profile divorce.

The news, which is still considered current as of December 2025, confirms that the famous baker has found his 'happy ever after' with the pub landlady. Their relationship has been kept relatively private, a stark contrast to his previous marriages and relationships. Fans are eager to learn more about his new wife, the wedding details, and the full timeline of his tumultuous romantic journey, which has been as dramatic as any technical challenge in the famous tent.

Paul Hollywood: A Complete Biography and Profile

Paul John Hollywood is one of the world's most recognizable celebrity chefs, known globally for his piercing blue eyes and his role as a long-standing judge on *The Great British Bake Off* (GBBO). His journey from a young baker to a television personality is a testament to his skill and passion for the craft.

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• Full Name: Paul John Hollywood MBE
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1966
• Age (as of 2025): 59
• Place of Birth: Wallasey, Cheshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Known For: Judge on The Great British Bake Off (since 2010)
• Spouses: Alexandra Hollywood (m. 1998; div. 2019), Melissa Spalding (m. 2023–present)
• Children: Joshua "Josh" Hollywood (with Alexandra Hollywood)
• Career Highlights: Head Baker at various prestigious hotels, Author of multiple best-selling cookbooks (including 100 Great Breads and Celebrate), Judge on The Great American Baking Show.
• Net Worth: Estimated to be around $15 million.
• Honors: Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to baking and broadcasting.

The Definitive Answer: Paul Hollywood's Current Marriage Status

The answer to "is Paul Hollywood married?" is a resounding Yes. He married his partner, Melissa Spalding, in a private ceremony in 2023.

The couple exchanged vows in a stunning setting in Cyprus, a location that holds sentimental value for Hollywood as it is also where he married his first wife.

The intimate affair was attended by approximately 75 guests, including Paul Hollywood’s co-star and fellow GBBO judge, Prue Leith.

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Melissa Spalding, who is significantly younger than Paul Hollywood, is a pub landlady. She is known for running The Chequers Inn, a traditional pub located in the picturesque village of Smarden, Kent.

Their love story began when Paul, who lives in the area, became a regular at The Chequers Inn. The relationship blossomed, and they have since kept their life together relatively out of the intense media spotlight, cherishing their privacy in the Kent countryside.

The public first became aware of their serious relationship status when they spent Christmas together at the pub in 2019, and their engagement was confirmed shortly before their wedding in 2023.

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A Deep Dive into Paul Hollywood's Relationship History

Paul Hollywood's romantic life has often been a topic of intense media scrutiny, marked by both long-term commitment and controversial separations. Understanding his past relationships is key to appreciating his current 'happily ever after' with Melissa Spalding.

The First Marriage: Alexandra Hollywood

Paul Hollywood’s first wife was Alexandra "Alex" Hollywood. They met in Cyprus in 1996 while he was working as a head baker at a hotel, and she was a diving instructor.

They married two years later in 1998 and had one son together, Joshua Hollywood, born in 2001.

The marriage faced a significant challenge in 2013 when Paul Hollywood briefly left Alex after admitting to an affair with his co-star on the US version of *The Great British Bake Off*, Marcela Valladolid.

They reconciled soon after, with Paul describing the affair as the "biggest mistake" of his life. However, the reconciliation was short-lived, and the couple separated for good in 2017.

Their divorce was finalized in 2019, marking the end of their two-decade-long relationship. Alex Hollywood has since forged her own successful career as a chef and cookbook author.

The Tumultuous Interlude: Summer Monteys-Fullam

Following his separation from Alex, Paul Hollywood began a relationship with Summer Monteys-Fullam, a former barmaid who was 30 years his junior.

Their relationship was highly publicized and lasted for approximately two years. It ended in 2019 amid legal disputes and media attention, shortly before Paul began his serious relationship with Melissa Spalding.

The Future: Married Life in Kent and Career Commitments

Since marrying Melissa Spalding, Paul Hollywood has offered rare glimpses into their quiet, domestic life. He has mentioned that they enjoy their time together "in the middle of nowhere" in the Kent countryside, a peaceful retreat from his demanding television schedule.

Despite his new marital status, his professional life remains as busy as ever. He continues to be the formidable presence on *The Great British Bake Off*, known for his coveted "Hollywood Handshake" and his expert critiques.

His work extends beyond the famous tent to shows like *The Great American Baking Show* and his own culinary series, such as *Paul Hollywood: City Bakes* and *Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds*. He also consistently releases new cookbooks, with titles like *Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round* continuing to cement his status as a baking authority.

For Paul Hollywood, the current chapter appears to be a harmonious blend of a thriving career and a settled, happy married life with Melissa Spalding, finally achieving a perfect bake both professionally and personally.

Relevant Entities for Topical Authority

Paul John Hollywood, Melissa Spalding, Alexandra Hollywood, Joshua Hollywood, The Great British Bake Off, The Great American Baking Show, Junior Bake Off, Prue Leith, Marcela Valladolid, Summer Monteys-Fullam, Cyprus (Wedding Location), Wallasey, Cheshire, Kent (Home County), Smarden (Village), The Chequers Inn (Pub), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Hollywood Handshake, 100 Great Breads (Cookbook), Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round (Cookbook), Paul Hollywood: City Bakes, Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds, Head Baker, Technical Challenge, 1998 (First Marriage Year), 2023 (Second Marriage Year), Celebrity Chef, Television Personality.