Paul Hollywood signed Channel 4's contract to host 'The Great British Bake Off' because he feared he'd lose his job.

Paul Hollywood

Paul Hollywood

The 50-year-old chef - who co-hosted the popular baking show with Mary Berry since 2010 - decided to jump ship and continue to helm the programme when it switches over from BBC because of the security his job was "still there" and he wouldn't be out of work.

Speaking about his decision to move on the Christmas episode of 'The Jonathan Ross Show', the silverfox said: "It came down to, my job was still there and I didn't want to lose my job.

"I love doing what I do.

"At the end of the day, I'm a baker by trade, that's all I am."

And the judge doesn't believe his career move was a "bad thing" to do.

He continued: "I want to carry on doing my job and I didn't think that was a bad thing to do."

However, Paul has admitted he is "very lucky" and grateful for being "plucked from obscurity" to judge on the series for seven years, and is still saddened by the whole ordeal, which took place earlier this year.

He said: "I was very lucky seven years ago to be plucked from obscurity to be part of what 'Bake Off' is now.

"I love judging, I love baking, I love evangelising about the food, the bread, the cakes and it was very sad what happened a few months ago."

The culinary mastermind has hinted the large pay packet, which will see him double his salary when he switches to the rival broadcasting network, was a great incentive, and he believes everyone "needs" more money.

Speaking previously, he said: "I'd be happy for the BBC to release the figure to say how much I was paid, but I can't do that.

"Do I deserve more money than I was on? I think everybody needs to get more money. Inflation has gone up. If I get more money, that's great news. That's great news."

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