Great British Bake Off's Nikki breaks silence over mum's death as Alison Hammond and Nigella Lawson send condolences

Nikki had to race home during Bread Week
Natasha Rigler
By Natasha Rigler

Great British Bake Off contestant Nikki has broken her silence after it was confirmed her mum died while the series was being filmed.

Nikki was seen abandoning Bread Week before she had even presented her Signature to the judges in last night’s episode.

GBBO host Alison Hammond told Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson that Nikki had to leave for “family reasons”.

Great British Bake Off’s Nikki has spoken out after it was confirmed her mum died during filming (Credit: Channel 4)

It was then confirmed after the credits had rolled that Nikki’s beloved mother, Joyce, had died.

Nikki has now spoken out and shared some new pictures of Joyce in the wake of her sad news being made public.

Great British Bake Off’s Nikki breaks silence over mum’s death

Nikki took to Instagram once the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off had aired (Tuesday October 13, 2026).

The 50-year-old posted a selection of photographs of Joyce on her grid, which were taken throughout her life.

Nikki wrote alongside it: “This is a sad and bittersweet post to write. My beautiful Mama Joycey passed away earlier this year.

“This is the reason I had to leave the Bake Off tent – to come home and be with my beautiful mum in her final days.

“Mama deteriorated quite quickly over a short period of time, and none of us were prepared for how quickly things would change.”

Nikki has been flooded with messages of condolence, including kind words from GBBO’s Alison, Nigella and her co-stars.

Alison wrote underneath her post: “Massive condolences my darling. Love to you and all the family.”

Nigella also told her: “Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki.”

The official Great British Bake Off account wrote: “Sending so much love to you and all your family Nikki.”

And baker Molly, who was sent home at the end of last night’s episode, added: “We love you so much Nikki. Sending you and the family so much love.”

Other Great British Bake Off 2026 contestants to send messages of love and support include Clara, Moyin and Shannon.

Will Nikki return to The Great British Bake Off 2026?

Nikki is yet to officially confirm if she returns to The Great British Bake Off later in the series.

In last night’s episode following her quick departure, Paul said: “We’d like to see Nikki come back so we need to give her some space.”

However, Nikki does not appear in the trailer for next week’s show. In the sneak peek, which aired before last night’s credits rolled, the contestants were seen taking part in Dessert Week. Nikki was noticeably absent.

TVGuide has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

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The Great British Bake Off continues at 8pm on Channel 4 on Tuesday October 20, 2026.