Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano dies of cancer
Written by News on 04/11/2020
Tributes are being paid to former Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano, who has died of cancer aged 49.
Appearing in series five of the hit show in 2014, he was a runner-up in the final episode, graciously saying that “hand on heart, the right person won” when Nancy Birtwhistle was crowned the champion.
Following his time on Bake Off, he made appearances on TV food shows, held cookery classes, and released a book called Bake it Great in 2015.
Paying tribute, the official Bake Off Twitter account said: “It was a huge honour and pleasure to have him in the Bake Off Tent for series five. Our condolences and thoughts go out to his friends and family.”
Judge Paul Hollywood described Luis, who was from Cheshire, as “a fantastic baker” who would be “missed by all in [the] Bake Off team”.
Agent Anne Kibel confirmed his death, saying he had oesophageal cancer, and paid tribute to “a fantastic man with a love of baking that saw him get to the finals of GBBO, write a wonderful book, Bake It Great, and do so much more”.
On a JustGiving account set up to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity in his memory, wife Louise Troyano said: “Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
She said Luis had wanted to thank everyone involved in his care, and shared his own words.
“A special thank you to Macmillan Cancer Support, East Cheshire Hospice and the NHS including Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for trying to save my life and their tireless work to try and eliminate cancer,” he said.
“But more importantly a massive thank you to all the amazing professionals who really did try their absolute best for me, showed me absolute compassion and gave me more time than what was seemingly possible. I thank you sincerely.”
More than £1,500 had been donated within 24 hours.
Many Bake Off fans have paid tribute on social media and on the donation site.
“Luis you were amazing to watch on bake off and a true gentleman. Fly high x,” one said.
“Thank you for the joy you brought us on Bake Off,” another said.
(c) Sky News 2020: Great British Bake Off finalist Luis Troyano dies of cancer
