Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood has apologised after being pictured dressed as Nigel Farage at a fancy dress party.
The 51-year-old said the pictures dated from 2003, when he went to a New Year’s Eve party as a character from the United Kingdom Independence Party.
In a statement he said: “I am absolutely devastated if this has caused offence to anyone.”
Hollywood’s costume included a red Swastika, an Iron Cross and a badge featuring a Nazi Eagle.
“It all just seemed like a bit of fun at the time.” Hollywood’s statement continued. “I had no idea that these pictures would come back to haunt me.
In hindsight, dressing up as a UKIP Politician, given all the lies, deceit, chicanery and xenophobia of the last few years, was a terrible idea. Next time I’ll go in blackface or dress up as Jimmy Savile and avoid all of this embarrassment.”
Prince Harry, who was once pictured at a birthday party dressed as the UKIP donor banks, lent his support to the Channel 4 presenter.
“Nana was not happy about that, I can tell you. I once went to a party dressed in full Gestapo regalia and she was pretty understanding. But the UKIP thing, well, let’s just say Christmas was pretty awkward that year.”
A spokesman for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism told The Herald “dressing up as a former UKIP politician is an insult to all those who died fighting fascism in Europe. However we appreciate Hollywood’s apology and the fact he was wearing the outfit ironically.”
