TV STAR DIES
The Great British Bake Off contestant Dawn Hollyoak dies aged 61 as Paul Hollywood pays tribute to star
Co-stars have opened up about their 'devastation' over Dawn's death
TRIBUTES are pouring in for Great British Bake Off star Dawn Hollyoak who has tragically died aged 61.
Dawn, who starred in the 2022 series of the much-loved baking show, passed away surrounded by loved ones, her family confirmed.
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The "wonderfully talented" gran was the sixth baker to leave the tent.
Her family announced her death and wrote in a heartbreaking statement: "It's with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our star baker Dawn.
"Not only a wonderfully talented baker but first and foremost an amazing mother, grandmother, wife and friend.
"Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but promise to continue her baking legacy."
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The loved ones did not reveal when the gran died, or her cause of death.
Tributes are now pouring in for Dawn, who has been described as a "lovely lady".
Paul Hollywood, one of the show's judges, offered his condolences.
He wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family a lovely lady x."
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Dawn had earned high praise from judges for her bakes before she was eliminated during Halloween Week on episode 6.
As she left the tent, the gran called the show "the most amazing experience".
Fellow contestant Carole Edwards also paid tribute to Dawn.
She 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."
Another fellow contestant, George Aristidou, said: "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 won the show in 2021, 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."
When Dawn competed, The Great British Bake Off shared a profile of her.
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It said she was the eldest of three children, a mother of three, step-mother to two, and gran/step-gran to four.
The post read: “Describing herself as 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,"
Channel 4 ‘locks down Great British Bake Off'
By Alex Doyle
Channel 4 has reportedly locked in a deal to keep The Great British Bake Off for a further three more years.
The cash-stropped broadcaster had previously sparked fears they could lose the beloved competition to a rival.
However, it seems GBBO will be firmly staying put in Channel 4's schedules as they near reaching an agreement with its makers Love Productions.
Deadline report the deal is yet to be finalised and bosses at the channel had been 'jittery' about its future.
The publication added that Love Productions had interest from other broadcasters and streamers for the show's rights.
Both Channel 4 and Love Productions haven't comment on the negotiations.
The Sun previously reported how Channel 4 could have been set for a £100million bidding war to keep Bake Off.
An insider told us: “Having two huge corporations enter the race has hugely inflated the value of the show, which is already sought-after due to its global appeal.
“Streamers are also looking to combine their model with shows that air at the same time and day each week.
"Netflix is already doing this with WWE wrestling and Disney+ recently bought the US version of Strictly.
“The talk is they’re both looking to do the same with a big British show.”