Great British Walk Off: Mary Berry ultimatum if Paul Hollywood is forced to go

Mary Berry was today said to be “protecting” Paul Hollywood by warning bosses of the Great British Bake Off that she will quit if he is forced off the show.

Hollywood is reportedly under pressure for threatening the BBC2 cookery programme’s “wholesome” image after his marriage split was followed by rumours of a close friendship with a judge on the US version of the show.

It came as Hollywood admitted on Twitter that he was “fair game” for public criticism - and as he was advised by Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace, who has often found himself the subject of media attention as a result of his chequered love life, on how to cope with the interest.

BBC bosses are reported to have held discussions about Hollywood’s future in the show but Mrs Berry, 78, is said to be adamant that he remains. Earlier this month their partnership helped the show, which attracts up to seven million viewers, to its second successive Bafta.

A BBC spokesperson said: “There is no truth to the speculation that Paul Hollywood’s position on The Great British Bake Off is in any way in doubt or under threat.

“He is a highly valued member of the Bake Off team and we are currently filming series 4 with Paul, Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as well as four Masterclasses with Paul and Mary all for transmission later this year.”

The 47-year-old pastry chef split with wife Alexandra in March amid rumours of a growing closeness with Marcela Valladolid, 34, his co-star in the US version of Bake Off. The American Baking Competition is due to screen for the first time tomorrow.

Hollywood and Mrs Berry have been friends for eight years and he often stays with her and her husband while filming Bake Off. She defended him, She defended him, reportedly telling friends: “Things happen and boys will be boys.”

Filming has begun for the fourth series which is due to be screened later this summer.