Dawn Hollyoak is best known as a contestant on the Netflix reality TV show “The Great British Bake Off.” She competed on the show in 2022.
Now, PEOPLE reports that Hollyoak has died. The news was announced on her official Instagram account. She was 61 years old.
The Instagram message explains, “It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our star baker Dawn.”
The message continued, “Not only a wonderfully talented baker but first and foremost an amazing mother, grandmother, wife and friend.”
While the Instagram message explained that Hollyoak “passed away peacefully surrounded by her family,” the message did not include a cause of death.
Hollyoak’s fans and friends turned to the comments section to express their sadness at her death. Carole Edwards, who competed against Hollyoak on the baking show, 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.”
George Aristidou, who competed on “The Great British Bake Off” a year before Hollyoak wrote, “We never did get to make them koupes Dawn…Absolutely gutted to hear this very sad news. RIP and my condolences to all your family and friends x”
Giuseppe Dell’Anno, who competed against Aristidou in 2021 and won, commented, “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!”
Back in 2022, “The Great British Bake Off” shared a description of Hollyoak ahead of the season premiere of the show. She was described as the oldest child in her family with two younger siblings. She was a mom to three children of her own plus a step-mother to two more children and a grandmother and step-grandmother to four more children. She also lived with her partner, Trevor.
Hollyoak described “herself as an artist in and out of the kitchen” who “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.”