“The Great British Bake Off” star Dawn Hollyoak dies at 61

The 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 importantly, a great mother, grandmother, wife and friend,” the statement said. “Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but promise to continue her legacy as a baker!”

A cause of death was not disclosed.

Hollyoak, a former IT manager who took part in the baking show in 2022, was hailed as a “beautiful soul” and “a joy” by friends, family and fans.

“I’m so sorry to hear this, say hi to the family from me, a wonderful lady x,” wrote Paul Hollywood, a judge on the show.

“I will miss my girlfriend terribly, a beautiful and talented woman inside and out. Fly high my friend, life just won’t be the same without you,” commented Carole Edwards, a fellow contestant on the same season as Hollyoak. “Sending all my love to the family.”

“This is devastating news,” wrote Giuseppe Dell’Anno, the 2021 season winner. “I only met Dawn once, but I was overwhelmed by her cheerful personality and infectious smile. She will be greatly missed, but she will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her.”

As described in her profile bio on the show’s official website, Hollyoak loved “the challenge of an illusion cake” – “the more impossible it sounds, the better” – and enjoyed the “crazy and intricate designs” she used 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 lace patterns on cookies,” the bio continues. “Her favorite flavors are lemon, salted caramel, and anything with nuts.”

Hollyoak, based in Bedfordshire, England, was eliminated from the baking competition series during Halloween week, according to People.

“I really don’t want to shed any tears over it, because it was just the most incredible experience, one of the absolute 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 leaves behind three children, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.