Great British Bake Off airs emotional tribute after contestant leaves series for family reasons

The Great British Bake Off shared a tribute to the mother of baker Nikki, after she was forced to withdraw from the show to be with her.

On Tuesday night’s episode, which was Bread Week, Nikki appeared in the competition for the signature and technical challenges, but was notably absent the next day for the showstopper.

To viewers, Nikki’s absence was explained during the table debrief between judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson and presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

After discussing the performances in the technical (which Paul declared the worst in the show’s history), and ahead of the showstopper, Alison asked: “To have Nikki go, it’s a shame she’s not going to be here for the Showstopper. How does that change things?”

“We’d like to see Nikki come back, so we need to give her some space,” Paul said. “But I think at least one person will be leaving today anyway.”

At the end of the episode, a photograph of Nikki and her mum Joyce appeared on screen, dedicating the episode to her.

Alongside the photo was the note: “With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce.”

Shortly after the episode aired, Nikki posted her own tribute on Instagram, posting a collection of photos of her mother throughout her life.

“This is a sad and bittersweet post to write. ❤️ My beautiful Mama Joycey passed away earlier this year," she wrote.

“This is the reason I had to leave the Bake Off tent — to come home and be with my beautiful mum in her final days.

“Mama deteriorated quite quickly over a short period of time, and none of us were prepared for how quickly things would change.”

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Instagram may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Instagram and its required purposes.

"My mum was the reason I got into baking in the first place… which, in the most incredible twist of fate, eventually led me to the Great British Bake Off. ❤️," she continued. "My passion for baking was instilled in me from a very young age. My sister and I followed in Mum’s footsteps, baking - simply because we loved it."

Crediting her mums cakes and puddings, she noted how proud her mum was when she got onto Bake Off, adding: "She cried, held me tightly and said: “This is your time… and about bloody time!” 😂❤️

"I would share little bits of my Bake Off journey with her and tell her how I was getting on. Her advice was always very important…'Listen to Paul, he knows what he’s talking about. And Nigella… WOW! Listen and learn from her too.' 😂🫶🏽🙌🏾"

"That advice spurred me on with every bake I created," she explained. "Mama was so happy and proud of me. She was one of my biggest champions, rooting for me from her hospital bed and always, always smiling for me. ❤️

"Mum wanted to be at home when her time came. The hospital and palliative care team were absolutely amazing and made that possible. She was surrounded by our family, with so much love around her.

"I held her hand when she took her last breath, and I remember whispering to her: 'I will continue to make you proud 🥹.' And I truly feel that I did."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Instagram may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Instagram and its required purposes.

"Getting to experience the Bake Off tent was one of the most incredible things that has ever happened to me, and knowing that my mum was watching, cheering me on and feeling proud made it even more special," she said.

"Mama Joycey will always be a huge part of my baking journey. Every time I bake, I carry a little piece of her with me. ❤️"

The Bake Off stars and this year’s contestants led the condolences and support, with Nigella commenting: “Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki” and Alison adding: “Massive condolences my darling . Love to you and all the family ❤️”

The official Bake Off account also shared: “Sending so much love to you and all your family Nikki.”

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Fellow baker Mike wrote: “Sending so much love to you and your family Nikki on such sad news. You brought so much happiness to the tent, you have been a joy to watch.”

Clara commented: “Tent was never the same without you. Love you Nikki, we are here for you as family” and Molly added: “We love you so much Nikki, sending you and the family so much love.”

The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday 22 September at 8pm on Channel 4.

Add The Great British Bake Off to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.