The Great British Bake Off paid tribute to contestant Nikki's mother after the baker rushed home during a challenge. The Channel 4 show ended Tuesday's episode with a picture of Nikki and her mum Joyce, alongside the message: "With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce."
Family Emergency Forces Nikki to Leave
Nikki stepped away from the competition after the Signature Challenge in Bread Week. Before the Showstopper, host Alison Hammond said: "It's a shame she's not going to be here for the Showstopper." Judge Paul Hollywood 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."
Nikki did not return for the Showstopper Challenge, and the episode ended with the tribute to her mother.
Molly Eliminated in Bread Week
Meanwhile, Molly was sent home after failing to impress in the Showstopper. She tearfully said: "I'm sad to be leaving the tent, but yeah, I think it's my time and I think it's the right decision."
She added: "I would feel guilty if I stayed any longer with you guys, you've got more to prove." Molly continued: "I really wanted to do Biscuit Week and Bread Week, and I've done Biscuit Week and Bread Week. And I've got to cook with my husband in the tent! It's been a really wonderful experience, and I'm really proud of myself."
Paul said of Molly's bakes: "I think Molly struggled a little bit with the texture in Bread Week, the Showstopper was a bit dry, didn't carry much flavour." Judge Nigella Lawson told her she had shown the judges her "beautiful bakes".
Viewers React to Missing Weeks
Next week's episode is Dessert Week, with Channel 4 teasing: "The bakers take on a self-saucing Signature and a trip down memory lane on retro dessert trolleys. Who'll roll merrily along and whose wheels will come off?"
Earlier this month, the programme's TikTok account announced: "Hottest summer on record and there's no Chocolate Week or Ice Cream Week." Viewers shared their disappointment, with one writing: "All summer me and my mum joked about chocolate week, this has literally ruined our lives." Another said: "Well this is disappointing." A third added: "Aww chocolate week was so chaotic!!"
The Great British Bake Off airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.
