Dawn Hollyoak, star contestant of the 2022 season of The Great British Baking Competitiondied at the age of 61.
The Hollyoak family revealed the news to the baking community on the star’s Instagram on Friday, writing: “?It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our star baker Dawn.”
The post continued: “Not only was she an incredibly talented baker, but first and foremost, an incredible mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will forever miss her, but we promise to continue her legacy in baking!”
The post concluded with a simple “?” emoji.
Fans and friends flooded the comments section to share their love and support for the family.
Paul Hollywood, judge of GBBOcommented: “So sorry to hear that, send my love to the family ? such a lovely lady x.”
The show’s official account also shared its condolences for the beloved contestant.
“We are so sorry to hear this news,” they said. “We are thinking of your family and sending you lots of love. xx.”
Contestants from various seasons of GBBO came together to share their love for Hollyoak.
“She is a very talented and big-hearted woman,” wrote 2021 finalist Crystelle Pereira. “I will be praying for her, all her friends and her family. May she rest in perfect peace ❤️??️.”
“My heart breaks to hear this,” said Josh Smalley, a 2023 finalist on the show. “Dawn had such incredible talent and a smile that would brighten anyone’s day. I’m thinking of her family and sending her all my love. She’ll be cooking like crazy up there❤️?️X.”
Carole Edwards, a good friend of Hollyoak and co-contestant on season 13 of the show, posted her own tribute to the GBBO alum.
“This is my tribute to@elbakerdawn“My dear friend and my baking guru, always there to help and listen, we were the same age so we had a lot in common (Donny Osmond being one of them ?),” Edwards wrote in the caption below the video. “The trip in GBBO brought us together, fly high my love, the angels will not lack a cake or two now.”
Hollyoak competed in season 13 of the show and was eliminated from the competition during Halloween Week, according to People.
Following her exit from the show, she said: “I don’t really want to share tears about it because it’s been the most incredible experience,” according to BBC.
The cause of Hollyoak’s death has not yet been revealed. He is survived by his three children, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.
