Viewers of The Great British Bake Off are calling for contestant Nikki to be invited back for a future series after she left the competition following the death of her mother.
Nikki's departure came midway through the current series, which sees Nigella Lawson replacing Dame Prue Leith alongside Paul Hollywood, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding returning.
A Sudden Exit During Bread Week
Last week, a third baker left the famous tent after Bread Week, but Nikki had to leave halfway through the episode due to a family emergency. Alison explained at the time: "It's a shame she's not going to be here for the Showstopper." Paul added: "We'd like to see Nikki come back so we need to leave some space, but I think at least one person will be leaving today anyway."
The episode saw Molly fail to make it through, while Nikki later announced she would not be returning. Channel 4 had earlier paid tribute to her mum, ending with an image of them together. It said: "With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce."
Nikki Opens Up About Her Loss
In an Instagram post ahead of Dessert Week airing on Tuesday, October 20, Nikki shared her experience: "Oh boieeee what an emotional ride. I have had the best time, the best time in the famous tent. It was what I expected and a whole lot more."
She continued: "My time in the tent was cut short, my beautiful mama was very sick, she passed away. Mama Joycey knew about my progression, she was super proud of me and couldn't stop beaming with joy. She told me to keep going... I learnt so much from her and also from my fellow bakers, Nigella and Paul. Would I do it all again? (in Danni's words) Abso-friggin-lutely."
Nikki also wrote: "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. Mama deteriorated quite quickly over a short period of time, and none of us were prepared for how quickly things would change."
Fans Rally Behind Nikki
Viewers flooded the comments with support and demanded Nikki be allowed to return for a future series. One person wrote: "Please have her back next season. I have been through this recently and it's brutal. My thoughts are with you Nikki." Another said: "Would love to see Nikki come back for a future season if she was willing to return!"
Others echoed the sentiment, with one follower adding: "I started watched GBBO while grieving, and over the years it has remained such a comfort. When the news of Nikki's mother's passing flashed onscreen, I burst into tears."
The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesday at 8pm on Channel 4.
