Pub photograph shows Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood in Nazi costume
According to the 51-year-old, the pictures, which were published in The Sun on Sunday, date from 2003, when he went to a New Year’s Eve party dressed as a character from the 1980s BBC comedy series ’Allo ’Allo.
The pictures show Hollywood stood at a bar with a pint next to a friend, who was also dressed in a Nazi uniform.
The costume includes a swastika armband, an Iron Cross medal and a badge featuring a Nazi eagle.
‘Devastated’
In response to the pictures Hollywood said in a statement on Twitter: “I’m absolutely devastated if this caused offence to anyone – the picture was taken 14 years ago on our way to a comedy TV shows-themed New Year’s Eve party, and a group of us dressed up as characters from the classic TV show ’Allo ’Allo.
“Everyone who knows me, knows I am incredibly proud of the efforts of those, including my own grandfather, who fought against the Nazis during the war.”
Your say
The picture has sparked debate between publicans on whether they would allow Paul Hollywood, or anyone, to dress in a Nazi uniform in their pub – fancy dress or not.
According to a snap poll on Twitter by The Morning Advertiser, 27% of participants said they would have allowed Hollywood to wear the costume, the majority (39%) said they would not allow anyone to be in their pub with the costume on.
The legal bit
Andy Grimsey, partner of legal specialist Poppleston Allen, advised: "Licensees must promote the licensing objectives which include the prevention of crime and disorder and public nuisance. Someone wearing a Nazi uniform in a pub might cause, intentionally or otherwise, some form of reaction from other pub-goers. No one wants a fight or a disturbance in their pub, so a licensee can exercise their right to exclude or bar that person from the pub.
