GBBO contestant Dawn Hollyoak dies

'Great British Bake Off' contestant Dawn Hollyoak has died.

The former IT manager- who was the sixth person to be eliminated from the 2022 series of the baking competition - has passed away at the age of 61, her family have announced.

They wrote on her Instagram account: “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!”

It is unclear as to the cause of Dawn's passing.

Show judge Paul Hollywood was among the first to pay tribute to the baker.

He commented on the post: “I’m so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family a lovely lady x.”

Carole Edwards, who appeared on the same series of the competition and was eliminated the week before Dawn, also paid tribute to her beloved friend.

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.”

The 13th series of 'Great British Bake Off' was won by Syabira Yusoff, who was joined in the final by Abdul Rehman Sharif and Sandro Farmhouse.