A stunning twist unfolded on the Celebrity Great British Bake Off, as Alison Hammond halted the Channel 4 show to deliver unexpected news about participant Gloria Hunniford during a Stand Up to Cancer episode on Sunday April 13.

During the show, co-hosts Alison and Noel Fielding joining esteemed judges Caroline Waldegrave and Paul Hollywood in welcoming a cohort of famous faces to demonstrate their baking skills under the iconic white marquee.

Among those competing were actor Jim Howick, 45, beloved broadcaster Gloria Hunniford at the admirable age of 85, up-and-coming model Ellie Goldstein, 23; and the sharp-witted comedian Jamali Maddix, 33. The celebrities were tasked with concocting showstoppers that revealed something deeply personal through the medium of cake.

An affectionate nod to her magician father, a revered member of the magic circle, Gloria executed a ‘magician-themed cake’, an egg-free wonder featuring four chocolate layers, interspersed with lush golden syrup, and a luxurious vanilla filling.

Yet, as the moment for judgement loomed, a shocking turn from host Alison halted proceedings abruptly. She relayed to those gathered and the audience at home that Gloria could no longer continue in the competition due to illness, Gloucestershire Live reports.

Gloria Hunniford on Celebrity Bake Off(Image: Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4/PA Wire )

Alison explained the situation, saying: “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 cake herself, co-host Noel, 51, stepped in to handle the feedback from the judges. Paul lauded the idea, mentioning: “I like the concept.

“The concept is being executed really well.” Caroline also praised Gloria’s bake, commenting: “It’s a nice tribute to her father.”

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!

If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

Alison spoke on a recent programme about celebrity culinary skills and remarked on Gloria’s absence due to illness, stating: “Such a shame Gloria wasn’t feeling very well and wasn’t able to tell the story.”

Previously, Gloria had expressed how meaningful it was for her to contribute to the fight against cancer, a cause dear to her following the death of her daughter Caron.

Caron, who was fondly remembered as a Blue Peter host, succumbed to breast cancer at 41-years-old in 2004.

Gloria lost daughter Caron to cancer at just 41(Image: Daily Mirror)

When asked about competing in a baking show despite not being an experienced baker, Gloria opened up, saying: “Unfortunately, I lost my daughter to cancer. To lose a child is the worst thing that can happen to you.”

She poignantly discussed the impact of such a profound loss: “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 opened up about the healing power of her charity work, saying: “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.”