“The Great British Bake Off” contestant Dawn Hollyoak has died at 61.
Her family made the heartbreaking announcement on Hollyoak’s Instagram on Friday, sharing the news “with a heavy heart.”
“Not only a wonderfully talented baker but first and foremost an amazing mother, grandmother, wife and friend,” the statement reads. “Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but promise to continue her baking legacy!”
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Hollyoak, a former IT manager who competed on the baking show in 2022, was hailed as a “beautiful soul” and “a joy” by friends, family and fans.
“I’m so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family, a lovely lady x,” wrote Paul Hollywood, a judge on the show.
“I will miss my friend terribly, a beautiful and talented lady inside and out, fly high my friend, life just won’t be the same without you,” commented Carole Edwards, a fellow contestant on the same season as Hollyoak. “Sending all my love to the family.”
“This is devastating news,” wrote Giuseppe Dell’Anno, the winner of the 2021 season. “I only met Dawn once, but I was blown away by her joyous personality and her infectious smile. She will be sorely missed, but will live in the heart of those who loved her forever.”
As described by her profile bio on the show’s official site, Hollyoak loved “the challenge of an illusion cake” — “the more impossible-sounding the better” — and enjoyed the “whacky and intricate designs” to showcase her creativity.
“She prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits,” the bio continues. “Her favorite flavors are lemon, salted caramel and anything nutty.”
Hollyoak, from Bedfordshire, England, was eliminated from the baking competition series during Halloween Week, per People.
“I really don’t want to shed tears over it because it’s just been the most amazing experience really, one of the absolute best experiences of my life,” she said at the time. “I’m really, really proud of what I’ve done. I’ve had fun — such fun.”
Hollyoak is survived by her three children, two step-children and four grandchildren.
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