Paul Hollywood has contacted his ex-girlfriend Summer Monteys-Fullam because he fears people are “using her to make money”, his friends revealed.
Reports suggested the 53-year-old Bake Off judge had texted 24-year-old Summer “out of the blue” after their bitter split earlier this month.
He is said to have “pleaded” with the barmaid for a meeting so they could talk things through.
But sources close to Paul now say suggestions he wants to get back with her have been exaggerated and he just wanted to meet because he thinks some people around Summer are “using her to make money”.
A source said: “Paul was trying to be friendly and offer an olive branch after their split. He still cares for Summer. He wants her to be happy and not get exploited because of the situation she is in.
“He is disappointed that messages he sent have been made public.”
Paul and Summer, who got together in 2017, split after he asked her to sign legal papers banning her from discussing their romance.
She refused and left the house they shared in Kent. Any chance of them meeting up seems unlikely.
Summer has shown how she feels on Instagram . One message she “liked” read: “My mother once told me every time you forgive him, he will love you a little more but you will stop loving him.”
She hit “like” on another reading: “Wish him the best and move on.”
Her ex will be back on TV next week for the second episode of The Great British Bake Off.
Paul has revealed he turned down Strictly and I’m a Celebrity. He said the jungle was not for him as there was “no sugar” and “very little flour”.
Fellow Bake Off judge Prue Leith said she was asked to do Dancing on Ice, but her office staff reacted with horror “so it was a no-no”.
