Paul Hollywood pays tribute to Great British Bake Off contestant dead at 61
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The contestant from The Great British Bake Off, Dawn Hollyoak, has passed away in a peaceful manner, as announced on her Instagram page.
A baker from Bedfordshire named Hollyoak used to work as an IT manager before entering the 2022 series of a BBC competition.
She was seen in seven episodes of season 13, and managed to advance to the sixth round.
"We are deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved baker Dawn has passed away," started the post announcing her death.
"Not just a skilled baker, but also an exceptional mother, grandmother, wife, and friend," the passage went on to say.
The message was shared with 10,500 people and mentioned that Hollyoak passed away in a calm and loving environment with her loved ones by her side.
"We will always remember her, and we vow to carry on her tradition of baking," it ended.
The post included a picture of Hollyoak happily posing in front of a kitchen counter, clutching a mug, with a plate of pastries peeking into the frame.
People expressed their condolences in the comment section of the post, including Carole Edwards, who competed on the same show.
"I will really miss my friend, she was a wonderful and talented woman, both inside and out. Fly high, my friend. Life won't be the same without you," she expressed. "Sending all my love to the family. Xx."
Paul Hollywood, the judge known for his expertise in baking, also shared his thoughts on the matter. He expressed his condolences, saying, "I am saddened to hear this news. Please convey my sympathies to the family. She was a wonderful lady."
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Some people remembered fondly watching Hollyoaks on TV. One person said, "It's heartbreaking to hear this news. She had a lovely smile and a happy personality that was a joy to watch."
Another person mentioned how brightly she radiated love.
During the initial round of the competition, Hollyoak wowed the judges with her lime, coconut, and tamarind spring cakes, earning a respectable third place in the technical challenge.
Before Hollyoak's passing was announced, her most recent post was in August 2023. In the post, she shared a photo of a cake she had made that looked like a lion's head, as a way to honor the Lionesses.
"Sending a lion-themed cake to cheer on our girls as they take on their challenges today @lionesses," she wrote, showing support for the England women's soccer team.
