Great British Bake Off contestant Dawn Hollyoak has died at the age of 61.
Her family made the heartbreaking announcement on Hollyoaks Instagram on Friday, sharing the news “with a heavy heart.”
“Not only a wonderfully talented baker, but most of all a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and friend,” the statement read. “Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but pledge to carry on her baking legacy!”
The cause of death has not been released.
Hollyoak, a former IT manager who joined the baking show in 2022, was hailed by friends, family and fans as a “beautiful soul” and “a joy”.
“So sorry to hear this, send my regards to the family, a lovely lady x,” wrote Paul Hollywood, a judge on the show.
“I will miss my girlfriend terribly, a beautiful and talented lady inside and out, fly high my girlfriend, life just won’t be the same without you,” said Carole Edwards, a fellow contestant in 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 overwhelmed by her cheerful personality and her infectious smile. She will be greatly missed, but will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.”
As described in her profile bio on the show’s official site, Hollyoak loved “the challenge of an illusion cake” – “the more impossible the better” – and enjoyed the “crazy and intricate designs” to show off her creativity.
“She prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for biscuit lace patterns,” the bio continues. “Her favorite flavors are lemon, salted caramel, and anything nutty.”
Hollyoak, from Bedfordshire, England, was eliminated from the baking competition during Halloween Week, People reports.
“I really don’t want to shed any tears because it’s just the most amazing experience, truly one of the best experiences of my life,” she said at the time. “I’m really, really proud of what I did. I had fun — so much fun.”
Hollyoak is survived by three children, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.