Paul Hollywood apologises over wearing fancy-dress Nazi uniform

In a statement, Mr Hollywood said: "I am absolutely devastated if this caused offence to anyone."

He said the photos were taken 14 years ago as he was on his way to a new year’s eve party dressed as a character from ‘Allo, Allo”, the BBC comedy series set in occupied France during the Second World War.

He added: "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."

Mr Hollywood, who is currently appearing in Great British Bake Off on Channel 4, is not the first prominent figure to cause controversy over Nazi uniforms worn as fancy dress.

 In 2005, the then 20-year-old Prince Harry attracted criticism for wearing Nazi insignia including a swastika armband at a private party.

 Tory MP Aidan Burley was sacked as a ministerial aide in 2011 after reports emerged that he had organised a stag party where guests wore SS uniforms. He stood down from Parliament at the next election.