Bake Off's Nikki confirms the death of her mother and reveals her illness was the reason she had to quit the show to be by her side in her final days

The Great British Bake Off star Nikki has paid tribute to her late mother after viewers saw her quit the Channel 4 show to be with her during her final days.

Nikki, 50, left the tent during the signature challenge in Tuesday night's episode due to 'family matters', and a tribute to her mother Joyce was shown during the credits.

In a post on Instagram, Nikki confirmed that her mother had passed away, and said her illness was the reason she had to quit the show.

Posting a gallery of photos with her mum, Nikki wrote in the caption: '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.

'My mum was the reason I got into baking in the first place… which, in the most incredible twist of fate, eventually led me to the Great British Bake Off.

'My passion for baking was instilled in me from a very young age. My sister and I followed in Mum's footsteps, baking – simply because we loved it.

'She taught us to experiment with flavours, use whatever you had in the cupboards or fridge and, most importantly, just make sure it tasted guuuuuud! And boiiiiiieee… Mama's cakes, puddings and bread ALWAYS tasted so guuuuuud! She had such a natural flair for baking.

'When I told Mum I had got onto Bake Off, she was absolutely over the moon. She cried, held me tightly and said: ''This is your time… and about bloody time!''

'I would share little bits of my Bake Off journey with her and tell her how I was getting on. Her advice was always very important… 'Listen to Paul, he knows what he's talking about. And Nigella… WOW! Listen and learn from her too.' That advice spurred me on with every bake I created.

'Mama was so happy and proud of me. She was one of my biggest champions, rooting for me from her hospital bed and always, always smiling for me.

'Mum wanted to be at home when her time came. The hospital and palliative care team were absolutely amazing and made that possible. She was surrounded by our family, with so much love around her.

'I held her hand when she took her last breath, and I remember whispering to her: 'I will continue to make you proud.' And I truly feel that I did.

'Getting to experience the Bake Off tent was one of the most incredible things that has ever happened to me, and knowing that my mum was watching, cheering me on and feeling proud made it even more special.

'Mama Joycey will always be a huge part of my baking journey. Every time I bake, I carry a little piece of her with me.'

Nikki's post was soon flooded with sweet comments from other Bake Off stars offering their condolences.

Among them was Bake Off host Alison Hammond, who wrote: 'Massive condolences my darling. Love to you and all the family.'

Nigella Lawson added: 'Sending all love to you, sweetest Nikki!'

Other fans wrote: 'Thinking of you sending love and prayers. You were awesome in the tent xx;'

'So sorry hope they let you come back this year; Beautiful tribute Nik.'

After Nikki's departure, Paul Hollywood and Nigella decided to award Tom the title of Star Baker, while Molly was sadly eliminated.