Bake Off star pays emotional tribute after leaving series to be with mum ‘in final days’

Bake Off Nikki said her late mum Joyce inspired her passion for baking (Picture: Channel 4/Patch Dolan) Great British Bake Off star Nikki has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother after withdrawing from the series to be with her before her death.

During last night’s episode of the Channel 4 show, it was revealed that Nikki would be missing the Showstopper round of Bread Week.

The announcement was made as judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson were discussing the performances of the bakers during the Signature and Technical rounds with presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding.

‘To have Nikki go, it’s a shame she’s not going to be here for the Showstopper. How does that change things?’ Alison asked, to which Paul replied: ‘We’d like to see Nikki come back, so we need to give her some space. But I think at least one person will be leaving today anyway.’

Bake Off fans immediately began expressing concern for Nikki following her abrupt absence.

At the end of the episode, which saw Molly be eliminated, a photograph appeared on screen of Nikki with her mum Joyce, with a message that read: ‘With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce.’

Nikki later shared a couple of posts on Instagram in honour of her mum, including several photos of Joyce throughout her life.

‘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,’ she wrote in her caption.

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

Nikki explained that her mum was the reason that she first found her ‘passion for baking’ alongside her sister, which eventually led to her entering the Bake Off tent.

‘She taught us to experiment with flavours, use whatever you had in the cupboards or fridge and, most importantly, just make sure it tasted guuuuuud! 😂,’ she wrote.

Hiya! I’m Sabrina Barr and I’m Metro’s TV editor.

I have spent almost six years at Metro covering all corners of the TV world, and I’m now sharing all my expert insights in my brand new newsletter, Switched On.

Join me for Metro’s exclusive weekly guide of to what to watch

From recommendations for your next binge-watch on Netflix to jaw-dropping exclusive interviews with the planet’s biggest stars, sign up to get plugged into the week’s biggest TV moments.

‘And boiiiiiieee… Mama’s cakes, puddings and bread ALWAYS tasted so guuuuuud! She had such a natural flair for baking.’

Nikki recalled how Joyce ‘cried’ when she found out that her daughter would be doing Bake Off, and how she encouraged her to listen to whatever guidance Paul and Nigella gave her.

‘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. ❤️,’ Nikki said.

‘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.’

Nikki hailed the ‘incredible’ experience she had on the show, saying: ‘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. ❤️.’

She finished her post by expressing her gratitude for the ‘love and support’ she’s received from her family and her fellow Bake Off contestants, saying that the journey of loss that she’s suffered would have been ‘so much harder’ without them.

‘I hope I made you proud, Mama Joycey 💛For anyone going through the loss of someone they love, or facing something similar right now, I’m sending you so much Love & Light 🫶🏽💜,’ she concluded.

Several Bake Off stars shared their condolences for Nikki in the comments underneath the post, including Nigella who wrote: ‘Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki,’ while Alison said: ‘Massive condolences my darling . Love to you and all the family ❤️.’

Bake Off star Molly commented: ‘We love you so much Nikki, sending you and the family so much love 💜,’ while 2018 winner Rahul shared: ‘Lots of love x.’

Fellow competitor Clara said: ‘Tent was never the same without you. Love you Nikki, we are here for you as family ❤️❤️❤️,’ while Moyin wrote: ‘All of my love to you and your family, I know mum is so proud of you 🫶🏾.’

My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that

The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine

Families can save up to 20% on summer 2027 holidays in Club Med’s four-day sale

Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in

Most of us aren’t getting enough fibre – this easy supplement could change that

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

Arrow MORE: Hollyoaks to Hollywood: Imran’s secret lover confirmed in LA special

Arrow MORE: Bake Off fans demand Paul Hollywood apologise for ‘destroying a cake’

Arrow MORE: Hollyoaks Halloween special confirmed with huge names back from the dead

Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.

Select your shows for TV news tailored to you Close