Paul Hollywood kisses wife Alex before revealing his childhood crush was Anne Kirkbride

HE IS a judge on Britain's most-loved baking programme and Paul Hollywood lavished praise on one of soaps' most-loved actresses Anne Kirkbride

Paul Hollywood lavishes praise on 'Lady Mary Berry'PA

Paul Hollywood kissed his wife Alex on the NTA red carpet last night

Speaking at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, Paul gushed about Anne Kirkbride who sadly died earlier this week.

Speaking to The Sun, Paul revealed the actress was his childhood crush: "I never met her but she was a bit of a crush of mine when I was a kid.

"Whenever I think of Coronation Street I always thought of her. I remember when I was a kid sitting at my mums, I always sat on the floor with my arms under my chin watching the telly, and it was always Coronation Street."

He added: "Mum wouldn't allow anything else on and Anne was an icon and always will be."


EXCLUSIVE: Paul Hollywood lavishes praise on 'Lady Mary Berry'WENN

Anne Kirkbride died earlier this week after battling breast cancer

Paul Hollywood lavishes praise on 'Lady Mary Berry'PA

Paul and Alex looked happy on the red carpet

Talking exclusively to the Daily Express Online, he said he wasn't jealous of Mary's nomination and backed her all the way.

He said: "No, as long as she beats David, Simon and Cheryl. And she will!

"I don't mind being judged, that's fine. I got used to it over the last couple of years."

He added: "I think Bake Off is one of those programmes that's good for your heart. Working with Lady Mary Berry is fantastic. And Mel & Sue - we have such a laugh. We're all going to be back together soon on their new show! I think it's fantastic."

The Great British Bake Off won Best Skills Challenge Show at the NTAs last night, something Paul is undoubtably proud of.

Paul Hollywood lavishes praise on 'Lady Mary Berry'PA

The star sat between his two leading ladies, including 'Lady Mary Berry'

Paul Hollywood - NTAs 2015 Red Carpet

Paul Hollywood lavishes praise on 'Lady Mary Berry'PA

The husband and wife team shared a smooch on the red carpet

He attributed the success of the show to the contestant, saying: "It comes down to the bakers. I think it's one of those programmes people like to watch, it's not aggressive like me on a bad day!

"It's something people take right into their heart. It's a national treasure, now. It's that last bit of summer. We're like a comfortable pair of slippers."

But 2014 wasn't just a good year for the show, The Great British Bake Off judge Paul released his first official calendar and it shot straight into the top 40 most popular for 2015.

Company spokewoman Jennie Halsall declined to reveal the exact sales figures but, when she spoke to the Daily Express last year, said: "We picked Paul because he is an extremely handsome man and women seem to love him.

"Our research suggested he was hugely popular with all ages, from twentysomethings to people in their 70s. I think it is because he is a real man who is willing to roll his sleeves up and get busy in the kitchen and he has those amazing blue eyes."

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