In a surprising twist during the latest episode of Celebrity Great British Bake Off, host Alison Hammond had to pause the show to announce that beloved contestant Gloria Hunniford had to exit due to illness. The episode, aired on April 13, 2025, was part of Channel 4's Stand Up to Cancer special and featured a lineup of celebrities showcasing their baking talents.
The star-studded cast included TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, aged 85, actor Jim Howick, 45, model Ellie Goldstein, 23, and comedian Jamali Maddix, 33. They faced the challenge of creating a cake that would unveil a deeply held personal secret. Gloria chose to honor her late father, a member of the magic circle, by crafting a 'magician cake,' an egg-free, four-layer chocolate delight filled with golden syrup and vanilla cream.
Just as the final bakes were about to be judged, Alison informed the audience that Gloria was feeling unwell and would not be able to continue. "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," Alison announced, setting the tone for the emotional moment that followed.
In Gloria's absence, co-host Noel Fielding stepped in to present her cake to the judges. Paul Hollywood, one of the show's judges, praised the design, stating, "I like the concept. The concept is being executed really well." Fellow judge Caroline Waldegrave echoed this sentiment, remarking, "It's a nice tribute to her father." However, the atmosphere was tinged with sadness as Alison lamented, "Such a shame Gloria wasn't feeling very well and wasn't able to tell the story."
Gloria's participation in the show was deeply personal. She has previously shared her motivations for joining the Bake Off, revealing her desire to raise funds for cancer research, a cause that resonates with her due to the tragic loss of her daughter, Caron, to breast cancer in 2004 at the young age of 41. "Unfortunately, I lost my daughter to cancer. To lose a child is the worst thing that can happen to you," Gloria expressed, highlighting the emotional weight behind her baking endeavor.
In a heartfelt reflection, she added, "Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to any woman because you can't carry a baby for nine months, give birth to that baby, love that baby for whatever length of time without it having the deepest, deepest impact. It's so tragic when you lose that child."
Gloria emphasized the therapeutic aspect of her charitable efforts, stating, "So giving something back has a wonderful mending process because you are giving back in the name of the person you loved, who you do love, and have lost. It's very prevalent in my mind, and in my actions all the time. When you do something positive against something so deeply negative, it's very healing."
As the episode progressed, Jim Howick was ultimately crowned the star baker, a title celebrated by the audience and fellow contestants. The transition in judging from Dame Prue Leith to Lady Caroline Waldegrave, who replaced her earlier this year, also marked a significant change in the show's dynamic. Lady Caroline, aged 72, is a respected figure in the culinary world, co-founding the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine with Dame Prue.
Fans of the show took to social media to express their support for Lady Caroline's debut as a judge, with many praising her warm demeanor and expertise. "Welcome Caroline Waldegrave… a lovely addition to the GBBO family!" one viewer tweeted, while another shared, "Great show. Well done Caroline on your Bake Off debut.👏"
The competition this year features a diverse group of celebrities, including Amelia Dimoldenberg, Kate Garraway, Meera Syal, Phil Wang, Sarah Beeny, Adam Buxton, and many more. Each contestant brings their unique flair to the tent, making for an exciting season filled with both laughter and heartfelt moments.
Despite concerns earlier this year regarding Noel Fielding's participation after his Apple TV+ show was canceled mid-production due to health issues, he confirmed his return to the Bake Off series, much to the delight of fans. His presence, alongside Alison and the new judging panel, promises to keep the spirit of the show vibrant and engaging.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off is not just a competition; it is a platform for raising awareness and funds for critical causes like cancer research. As Gloria Hunniford's heartfelt tribute to her father and her ongoing battle against cancer illustrates, the show carries significant emotional weight for many of its participants.
With its blend of celebrity glamour and genuine human stories, Celebrity Bake Off continues to capture the hearts of viewers. As the series unfolds, fans eagerly await more culinary creations and the personal stories behind them. The show remains available for streaming on Channel 4, allowing audiences to follow along with the baking adventures and heartfelt tributes.
