Dawn Hollyoak, a former contestant on The Great British Bake Off, has tragically passed away at the age of 61. The news came as a shock to the baker’s fans and followers, who grew a following after her appearance on the Channel 4 British baking competition show. Her family first shared news of Dawn Hollyoak’s death on her official Instagram account on Friday, July 5, 2024.
The 61-year-old baker had not been active on Instagram for 10 months. In her last post, shared on August 20, 2023, she posted a Lion cake. Dawn Hollyoak was known for her joyful demeanor and easily captured the hearts of fans and co-contestants on The Great British Bake Off TV show.
Dawn Hollyoak on The Great British Bake Off
Dawn Hollyoak joined The Great British Bake Off in season 13 at age 60. Hollyoak was introduced as an IT manager, with her bio stating she’s “an artist in and out of the kitchen, Dawn loves the challenge of an illusion cake (the more impossible-sounding, the better), favouring whacky and intricate designs that allow her to express her creative talent. She prides herself on her steady hand and attention to detail, especially when it comes to the intricacy required for lace patterns on biscuits. Her favourite flavours are lemon, salted caramel and anything nutty.”
At 60, Hollyoak was the oldest of the 12 contestants for that season. The season aired originally with 10 episodes, from September 13 to November 15, 2022. Although Dawn Hollyoak was never declared a Star Baker in any of the episodes she appeared in, she had an interesting season run. Evicted in episode 6, Hollyoak was twice voted as part of the judge’s favorite in two weeks and also part of their least favorite in two other weeks. The Great British Bake Off season 13 was won by Syabira Yusoff. Bakers Abdul Rehman Sharif and Nelsandro “Sandro” Farmhouse finished as the runners-up.
Dawn Hollyoak was eliminated in the show’s first-ever Halloween Week. In the episode, the bakers (who were down to 7) were required to bake an Apple Cake in the Signature challenge, 8 S’mores in the Technical challenge, and an edible Hanging Halloween Piñata Lantern in the Showstopper challenge. Hollyoak prepared a “Ukrainian Sharlotka” in the Signature challenge and “A Cat in a Fancy Hat’ Lantern” in the Showstopper challenge. After her elimination, Hollyoak shared with PEOPLE, “I really don’t want to shed tears over it because it’s just been the most amazing experience really, one of the absolute best experiences of my life. I’m really, really proud of what I’ve done. I’ve had fun — such fun.”
Dawn Hollyoak’s Death
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Besides her last Instagram post, in which she shared with her followers that she hadn’t been feeling too well, there was no indication the baker suffered from any long-term illnesses. The last memory many of her fans and followers had of her was as a jolly baker. At the time of this report, Dawn Hollyoak’s cause of death has not been revealed by the family. Dawn Hollyoak is survived by her partner, Trevor, three children, two step-children, four grand/step-grandchildren, and two sisters.
Dawn Hollyoak’s Tributes
Since her death was announced, friends, colleagues, and fans have shared tributes on social media. English celebrity chef Paul Hollywood, who has been a judge on The Great British Bake Off since 2010, commented on the Instagram post, “I’m so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family a lovely lady x.” Carole Edwards, who was also a contestant on The Great British Bake Off season 13, wrote, “I will miss my friend terribly, a beautiful and talented lady inside and out, fly high my friend, life just won’t be the same without you. Sending all my love to the family. Xx.”
Giuseppe Dell’Anno, who won The Great British Bake Off season 12, a season before Hollyoaks’, wrote, “This is devastating news… I only met Dawn once, but I was blown away by her joyous personality and her infectious smile. She will be sorely missed, but will live in the heart of those who loved her forever.” The show also left a comment under the Instagram post, stating, “We’re so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of your family and sending lots of love. XX.” Besides Dawn Hollyoak’s death at 61, read about BBC’s Michael Mosley, who was found dead at 67.
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