In a unexpected turn of events on the Celebrity Great British Bake Off, co-host Alison Hammond paused the proceedings with an important update about Gloria Hunniford.
During the episode, which aired as a part of Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer special, Alison, along with co-host Noel Fielding and judges Caroline Waldegrave and Paul Hollywood, welcomed celebrities to the tent to showcase their baking talents. The episode featured Jim Howick, Gloria Hunniford, Ellie Goldstein, and Jamali Maddix, who were tasked with creating a showstopper cake revealing a personal secret.
Gloria honored her father, a respected member of the magic circle, with a ‘magician cake’ consisting of an egg-free, four-layer chocolate delight, filled with golden syrup and vanilla. However, before the final bakes were judged, Alison revealed that Gloria had fallen ill and would be unable to continue on the show.
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Addressing the situation, Alison shared, “Now before we start the judging we should mention the fact that Gloria is not here. She is not feeling very well but she wanted us to carry on anyway.”
With Gloria unable to present her creation, Noel stepped in to receive the judges' comments on her behalf. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the judges praised Gloria’s creation and acknowledged the touching tribute to her father.
Gloria’s participation was in support of the fight against cancer, a cause close to her heart following the passing of her daughter Caron to breast cancer in 2004. Despite not being a seasoned baker, Gloria found solace in contributing to the cause, highlighting the healing power of giving back in honor of loved ones lost.
The episode is part of The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Stand Up to Cancer, available on Channel 4.