Bake Off issues tribute after star leaves tent for family reasons

The Great British Bake Off has paid tribute to contestant Nikki's mother, who passed away during the filming of the Channel 4 show. Tonight's episode (13 October) saw Nikki leave the tent just after baking her Signature Challenge.

At the time, host Alison Hammond said that Nikki had to leave the show "due to family matters," later saying to judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson: "It's a shame she's not going to be here for the Showstopper."

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Paul confirmed that a contestant would still be leaving the show after judging, saying: "We'd like to see Nikki come back so we need to leave some space, but I think at least one person will be leaving today anyway."

The episode then ended with a photo tribute to Nikki's mum Joyce and the message: "With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce."

On Instagram Nikki shared a series of photos of Joyce and wrote: "This is a sad and bittersweet post to write. My beautiful Mama Joycey passed away earlier this year.

"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."

In the comments, Nigella told Nikki: "Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki."

Meanwhile, Molly ended up being the contestant who was eliminated during Bread Week, following a disappointing bake.

"I'm sad to be leaving the tent but it think it's my time, it's the right decision," Molly said following her elimination.

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"I wanted to do Biscuit Week and Bread Week, and I got to do both. It's been a really wonderful experience and I'm really proud of myself."

Star Baker went to Tom for the second time in the competition after impressing Paul and Nigella with his Showstopper.

The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays on Channel 4 at 8pm.

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Reporter, Digital Spy  

Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.

Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.