The family of Great British Bake Off contestant Terry Hartill say that appearing on the show has helped him to cope with the death of his wife.



Terry lost his beloved wife, Joanna, to cancer a year ago, and he has battled through the baking show while quietly grieving.

His family have spoke about Terry's loss and how the baking show has helped him cope with his heartbreak.

Credit: Channel 4

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Terry's mother-in-law, Marion Banner, has said how proud primary school headteacher Joanna would have been of her husband and that she was his biggest fan.

Marion said: "I really hope he wins and my daughter would want that too.

"She would love that he's in the show. She would be very, very proud of him.

Credit: Channel 4

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"They had been such a happy couple and married for so long and when we lost her. Terry was heartbroken," said Marion.

"But the show is something nice for him to do and it's helping him cope with his grief.

"He's always been into his baking, he's very creative, and was always making cakes for birthdays, Christmas and all occasions.

Credit: Channel 4

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"Jo never liked baking, that was his job, but she loved eating his cakes. He'll be cooking his heart out for her."

Terry, 54, was heartbroken after losing his sports fit wife and mum of their two daughters aged 52, to cancer in April last year after a 10-month battle with the illness.

Marion has said she was surprised when she found out Terry would be appearing on the Channel 4 baking show after he kept it a secret.

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She said: "I hadn't got a clue then I looked at a picture in the paper and thought 'I know that man!' He didn't tell any of us.

"It's wonderful news for our family after all the heartache. He'll be doing everything he can to stay in it until the end."

Announcing the news at the start of the show, hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig explained how, under the agreement of all involved, Terry will be returning to the show this week thanks to an automatic pass.