Paul Hollywood FINALLY sets record straight on THOSE Top Gear claims: ‘It’s tricky’
PAUL HOLLYWOOD was not only tipped to replace Chris Evans on Top Gear but also his predecessor Jeremy Clarkson the year before that, and now he has addressed the rumours.
Paul Hollywood Top Gear Great British Bake Off host job BBC
Ruth Langsford ‘glazes over’ during Paul Hollywood chat
The Great British Bake Off favourite spoke out about claims that he was going to join the BBC show, admitting it was “very tricky” at the time.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the 51-year-old commented on the reports while promoting his new motoring series Big Continental Road Trip - also on the same channel.
When asked if he was offered a Top Gear role, Paul revealed: “Well, I was already filming this so it was very tricky.”
The baker continued: “So, no. I loved doing this, it’s very different and celebrated different things.”
Paul Hollywood has opened up about rumours he was joining Top Gear
Paul Hollywood said joining the team was tricky
It’s very different and celebrated different things
Meanwhile, Paul also spoke about whether Big Continental Road Trip could be a rival to the long-established programme, now fronted by Matt LeBlanc.
He went on: “I think so, but it’s different. I think it is more about the people and the places, as well as the cars.
“We bring in more culture and the cars are the platform that allows me to tell that story.”
Paul Hollywood recently fronted his own car show for the BBC
Paul Hollywood teases details about news series of GBBO
Paul Hollywood is seen travelling Europe in an array of motors
Finally, discussing how his wife Alexandra reacted to the news that he’d be driving around Europe in an array of flashy cars, Paul hinted that she was somewhat envious.
He added: “I think there’s an emoji where you roll your eyes, that one! I think anybody would be [jealous]. It’s a dream job, and I did manage to drive some special cars in some beautiful backdrops.
“I never thought a fat baker from the north would get a chance to do something like that.”
Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip is available now on BBC iPlayer.