Bake Off's Nikki leaves tent in Bread Week; show pays tribute to her late mum Joyce

Mixed · 2Contestant Nikki left the Great British Bake Off tent just after baking her Signature Challenge in Bread Week, in the episode shown on Channel 4 on 13 October. 1 2 Centre · 1Presenter Alison Hammond said Nikki had left "due to family matters", and told judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson: "It's a shame she's not going to be here for the Showstopper." 1 Right · 1Hollywood said: "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." 2

Mixed · 2Nikki did not return for the Showstopper. The episode closed with a photo of Nikki and her mother and the message: "With our deepest condolences to Nikki and family following the loss of her mum Joyce." 2 1 Mixed · 2On Instagram, Nikki wrote that her mother "passed away earlier this year" and that she left the tent "to come home and be with my beautiful mum in her final days", adding that her mother "deteriorated quite quickly over a short period of time". 1 2 Mixed · 2Digital Spy describes the death as having happened during the filming of the show; the Express says it came "earlier this year", quoting Nikki. 1 2

Mixed · 2Fellow contestants and others posted supportive messages: Molly and Clara commented on Nikki's post, the Bake Off page sent love, and Digital Spy reports judge Nigella Lawson wrote "Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki." Viewers also posted condolences, according to the Express. 2 1 Mixed · 2Molly was eliminated in Bread Week, the third contestant to leave this series according to the Express, saying: "I'm sad to be leaving the tent but I think it's my time, it's the right decision." Digital Spy adds that Tom won Star Baker for the second time. 2 1 Mixed · 2The series is presented by Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, with Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson, who has taken over from Dame Prue Leith, as judges; it airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 4. 2 1