Paul Hollywood is blasted by ‘startled’ neighbours who say he’s ‘spooked their horses’ and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

As I delve into the captivating tale of Paul Hollywood, a man who has managed to blend the art of baking with the glitz and glamour of showbiz, I find myself utterly intrigued by his unique journey. Here’s a man who found fame seemingly out of nowhere, yet he handles it with the grace and resilience of a seasoned pro.


Paul Hollywood, the resident of their tranquil Kent village, has faced criticism from upset neighbors since purchasing a new helicopter approximately three months ago, causing disruptions to their peace.

58-year-old celebrity from The Bake Off series spent money on a Robinson Raven helicopter and has been skillfully touching down the aircraft on a patch of ground situated between his countryside home and the peaceful village pub in Smarden, landing it there.

Nevertheless, neighbors living nearby express discontent over the TV celebrity’s flashy and frequently noisy new vehicle. They claim the racket disturbs them significantly, leaving them feeling agitated, and his frequent arrivals and departures are said to unsettle their horses.

On Wednesday afternoon, the instant when the renowned baker touched down with his Robinson Raven helicopter was caught on camera by TopMob.

As a lifestyle expert, I recently had a chance to hear the opinions of local folks regarding some recent disruptions in our community. One particular resident, Sue Keys at the age of 72, expressed her initial surprise upon hearing Paul’s helicopter, stating that it seemed to be flying unusually low and took her by shock initially.

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

She mentioned that it’s hard to miss the sound of planes above because we are quite near the Headcorn airfield, and there’s usually a fair amount of aircraft noise around here.

For about three months, he’s been operating the helicopter, and at first, my thoughts were, “What on earth is that? He seems a bit too close.” Initially, it gave me quite a jump, but I’ve grown accustomed to it by now.

A neighbor, identified as John, aged 62, mentioned that he shares the area with horses. He explained that on specific days, the arrival of a helicopter tends to startle these animals, causing them unease.

‘But having said that, we live in a noisy spot. There’s an airfield around the back of us from which Spitfires fly out from, other helicopters and aircraft come flying across over the fields. 

‘The road is busy during rush-hour and there’s a busy pub opposite.’

A neighbor residing near Hollywood shared her fondness for the frequent flybys, expressing, “I genuinely enjoy watching him soar overhead. Frankly, it’s quite thrilling. It’s a refreshing shift from the usual loud Spitfires that rumble above our home.”

Instead of using Headcorn Aerodrome, Paul prefers to store his Robinson Raven helicopter at Manston Airport while he persists in his pursuit of a private pilot’s license.

To get a private pilot’s license, you need to complete 45 hours of flight training. This includes 25 hours spent flying with an instructor (dual flight instruction) and 10 hours of solo flight time under supervision. At least five of those solo hours should be cross-country flights.

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Five hours may be completed in an approved flight simulator.

Paul, who spent £21,000 on lessons for flying a Second World War Spitfire, started learning to be a pilot about two years ago as a means to distance himself from the chaos of his fame-filled existence.

At that moment, he clarified: ‘You’re alone with the machine, separated from the chaos. Naturally, I’m feeling somewhat anxious. Yet, in that elevated place, you experience complete liberty.’

Flight records show that Paul has been flying solo across the UK, often landing in the gardens of 5-star hotels. 

He is even said to have installed a windsock in his garden to monitor flying conditions. 

Locals have expressed worries that his idea of using a helicopter to reach the Bake Off tent during filming might amplify the level of disruption in the area.

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Last year, Paul had more than enough money left over after purchasing a helicopter, as he earned over £14 million.

In the year 2023, the renowned baker, serving as a judge on Channel 4 since 2010, banked an impressive £14,146,703.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can confirm that I’ve learned through various sources that my earnings approximate to around £270,000 weekly, positioning me among the highest-earning television personalities in the United Kingdom.

In my professional opinion, based on reports from HJP Media LLP, the entity managing my income, last year was undeniably my most financially fruitful yet.

The firm also made nearly a £1million profit in 2023, with additional assets worth over £4million.

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter
Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter
Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Paul, well-known for his strong handshakes with contestants on the show, received a substantial amount of money by staying faithful as a judge on the popular television program.

In the lead-up to the upcoming Bake Off series in September, he was given an additional £100,000 increase on his existing £600,000 pay, bringing his total salary to £700,000 for that role.

Over an extended period, his involvement with the baking competition allowed him to establish connections with grocery stores such as Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Consequently, he was able to introduce lines of cooking equipment in these stores.

Apart from his success on television, this baker is also an accomplished author, having published 11 books that have each surpassed sales of 700,000 copies.

According to the recent documentation, here are the key financial figures: The profit for the past fiscal year that can be distributed at the discretion of members amounts to £9,873,200. After taking into account this profit, the total value for each member is £14,146,703. Notably, this amount also covers the repayment of capital in the same sum of £14,146,703.

By May, it was revealed that Paul and his wife, Melissa, invested over £80,000 of their personal funds in an attempt to preserve the family pub, with plans to eventually convert it into their residence.

At a Kent council planning meeting, it was Melissa who disclosed the hardships faced by the business, with the famous baker standing by her side in support.

For quite some time, the proprietress of The Chequers Inn, located not far from Ashford, conveyed to local council members that her parents had invested significantly more funds in an attempt to sustain the establishment. She further expressed that the enterprise seemed to be slowly succumbing, struggling to stay alive.

For generations, the picturesque, Grade II-listed village pub has been under the ownership of the family led by Melissa – who are currently planning to convert it into a residential property.

Earlier this year, Glenn Spalding, her father, proposed converting the property into a single residence. This plan caused a significant uproar among the local community.

The suggestions were suggested for acceptance, however, the planning committee chose to postpone their decision so they could collect more data first.

In September 2023, Paul exchanged vows with Melissa at an opulent Byzantine-style chapel situated within a high-end Cypriot hotel’s beautiful grounds, surrounded by 75 loved ones.

The pair exchanged vows at the breathtaking Ayia Athanasia chapel, a piece of the lavish Anassa Hotel, nestled in the pristine north-western tip of the Akamas peninsula, an untouched corner of their vacation paradise.

After wrapping up, I guided everyone towards an evening soiree nestled within the hotel’s vibrant entertainment district. The festivities extended well into the night, eventually drawing to a close around the wee hours.

Attendees at the event were comprised of Paul’s immediate relatives, along with renowned friends like his fellow show judge Prue Leith. Prior to the wedding, she had been taking advantage of the luxurious amenities offered by the Anassa Hotel.

The couple had dated for three years before tying the knot.  

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Paul previously said he finds being a celebrity ‘horrendous.’

In an interview with Radio Times, when asked if fame has been a pleasant journey, he replied: “Not at all, it’s awful.”

As a connoisseur of life, I’ve never been partial to the term ‘celebrity’. Even at the ripe age of 40, the idea of gracing the small screen seemed like an unattainable dream for me.

‘This came out of nowhere, and you have to adapt to it.

As a devoted adherent, I often find myself yearning for a place to learn effective strategies for navigating the media, managing daily life, and setting healthy boundaries without succumbing to stress and frustration. Regrettably, such a school seems elusive.

‘You just have to grow a very thick skin. Now I’ve got a skin like a crocodile.’ 

Since its debut in 2010, Paul has served as a judge on the popular television series The Great British Bake Off. Initially, he shared hosting duties with Dame Mary Berry, followed by Dame Prue Leith thereafter.

The star was awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle for his services to baking and broadcasting in April.

Paul, accompanied by relatives such as his mom Gill, graciously accepted his recognition from the Princess Royal. He expressed his hope that the Duke and Duchess of Wales might make an appearance on our program.

Following the ceremony, I found myself beaming with immense pride, bestowed upon me by the honor of becoming an MBE. Yet, a pang of longing gripped my heart, as I couldn’t help but wish that my beloved nan was here to share in this momentous occasion with me.

I was absolutely thrilled! Upon learning this exciting news, my initial reaction was to share it with my mom, who surprisingly fell silent over the phone – a rarity for her.

‘I wish my nan had seen it. She was very fond of the royal family, as we all are.

‘But specifically she would’ve been over the moon. But my mum was here today so she was loving it.’

When asked about who he’d choose from the royals to participate in the Bake Off tent, Paul expressed that he’d likely select Kate and William, stating they would certainly be made to feel at home.

Later on, I found myself reminiscing about a memorable encounter I once had with none other than Princess Anne herself, who graced the event we attended with her presence as the presiding figure. Intriguingly enough, I’ve crossed paths with her royal highness before, right in the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace!

Paul Hollywood is blasted by 'startled' neighbours who say he's 'spooked their horses' and disturbed their peaceful Kent village for THREE MONTHS after splashing out on a new helicopter

Paul said: ‘I’ve always been fond of the Princess Royal.

I ran into her a few years back at Buckingham Palace, when the late Duke of Edinburgh wasn’t feeling well. We were in the company of other royal family members, and coincidentally, I was there alongside Princess Anne. It was great luck to bump into her again today!

She mentioned that baking is deeply ingrained in our genetic makeup, and we both appreciate its scent. To which I responded, “Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. The aroma was a big part of my childhood.”

I believe she really loves Chelsea buns, and I pledged to give them to her, which means I had to make good on my promise and find a way to get them for her.

When inquired about the royal family’s interest in the show, Paul admitted that they indeed knew about it.

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2024-08-15 09:50

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