Great British Bake Off star Nikki has paid an emotional tribute to her late mother after leaving 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.
Announcement on the show
The announcement was made as judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson discussed the bakers' performances in the Signature and Technical rounds with presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Alison asked: 'To have Nikki go, it's a shame she's not going to be here for the Showstopper. How does that change things?' 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 expressed concern for Nikki following her abrupt absence. At the end of the episode, which saw Molly eliminated, a photograph appeared on screen of Nikki with her mum Joyce, accompanied by a message reading: 'With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce.'
Nikki's tribute to her mother
Nikki later shared 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.
'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 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.
Joyce's pride in her daughter
Nikki recalled how Joyce 'cried' when she found out 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 gratitude for the 'love and support' she has received from her family and fellow Bake Off contestants, saying the journey of loss would have been 'so much harder' without them.
Support from fellow contestants
Several Bake Off stars shared condolences in the comments, 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 ❤️.' 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 🫶🏾.' The Great British Bake Off airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.
