Paul Hollywood and Blake Lively’s Unexpected Friendship Takes a New Turn at London Screening

In an unusual public outing, Paul Hollywood, 59, and his wife, Melissa Spalding, were spotted alongside Hollywood star Blake Lively, 37, at a star-studded London screening on Tuesday night. The event, which featured the new thriller comedy Another Simple Favour starring Lively and Anna Kendrick, saw the trio enjoying a rare moment of camaraderie, away from the ongoing personal and legal dramas that have surrounded Lively in recent months.

The friendly gathering marked a continuation of the unlikely friendship between the Great British Bake Off judge and the actress. Hollywood and Lively, who have known each other for several years, were joined by their respective partners at the event, signaling a strong bond that has weathered the test of time and distance. The evening also spotlighted Lively’s latest public appearances amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

The Birth of an Unlikely Friendship

Paul Hollywood and Blake Lively’s connection began in June 2023, when Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, visited the famous Great British Bake Off tent. The visit, a dream come true for the couple, marked the beginning of a friendship between the two celebrities, with Lively and Reynolds, both self-proclaimed Bake Off superfans, enjoying a lighthearted interaction with the show’s judge.

At the time, Hollywood shared a playful Instagram post with Lively, jokingly suggesting that she might replace Prue Leith as his co-judge. “Sorry Prue, Blake has taken your seat… welcome to cake corner Blake,” Hollywood captioned the photo, cementing the duo’s fun and easygoing relationship. Reynolds, who also posed with the Bake Off stars, shared his own thoughts on the experience, describing it as “a full and unconditional hug of pure serotonin.”

A Friendship Flourishes

Their camaraderie didn’t end with the Bake Off visit. Just two months later, Hollywood and Lively teamed up for a humorous skit to promote Lively’s cocktail brand, Betty Booze. The skit featured Lively arriving at Hollywood’s house with boxes of her product, seeking the Bake Off judge’s approval. Despite Hollywood’s usual aversion to alcohol, the two shared a laugh as Lively joked about using alcohol in all her cooking. Hollywood’s approval came in the form of a typical Bake Off critique, as he praised the drink’s “balance with the ginger” and its overall flavor.

Lively humorously captioned the video, declaring that she had “finally made it in Hollywood.” The lighthearted skit showcased their growing friendship and professional collaboration, further solidifying their bond.

Legal Turmoil for Lively

While Hollywood and Lively’s relationship continues to thrive in the public eye, Lively’s personal life has been filled with controversy. The actress is currently embroiled in a bitter legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director on the 2024 film It Ends With Us. In late December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of harassment and orchestrating a campaign to damage her reputation.

Baldoni has vehemently denied the allegations, filing a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion. As the legal saga unfolds, both parties have denied any wrongdoing, with a trial date now set for March 2026. This ongoing drama has overshadowed Lively’s career, but her public appearances, including her recent outing with Hollywood and Spalding, show her continuing to maintain a positive front despite the legal challenges she faces.

A Show of Support

Hollywood and Lively’s rare public appearance together, away from the spotlight of Lively’s legal battles, speaks to the enduring strength of their friendship. While Hollywood continues his role as a prominent television personality, and Lively navigates the complexities of a legal dispute, the two stars share a mutual respect and camaraderie that is clear to see. Their bond, which began in the lighthearted setting of the Bake Off tent, has grown into a supportive and genuine friendship.

As Lively works through her ongoing legal struggles, the support of friends like Paul Hollywood and Ryan Reynolds may prove to be a valuable anchor during what has been an undoubtedly challenging time.