“These Stars Symbolize My Five Unborn Children” — The Great British Bake Off’s Nelly Discusses Her Miscarriages

The Great British Bake Off aired its second episode of Collection 12 on October 4, 2024, featuring a fresh batch of 12 contestants. Among them, Nelly courageously shared her heartbreaking past during one of the challenges in this week’s episode.

For viewers in the United States, the show is known as The Great British Baking Show, with episodes released three days following their UK debut. The presenting team of Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond returned, while the esteemed judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood evaluated the amateur bakers vying for the coveted title.

During the showstopper challenge, Nelly showcased her ‘Forest Dance’ Biscuit Puppet Theatre, a unique biscuit creation filled with puppets. As she crafted her treats, Nelly took the opportunity to unveil the personal tragedy that inspired her culinary art.

Her biscuit creation depicted a poignant scene with trees and stars, representing her five children lost during pregnancy. Nelly eloquently expressed her sentiments about the meaning behind her cookies:

“So, these stars represent my five unborn children. This was twins. And they belong there. Even if you don’t birth them, you carry them in you, all your life, you’ve got the genes in, so I can’t miss them on my show, can I?”

Nelly Finds Hope Amidst Struggles on The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off challenges bakers with various themes each week throughout its 10-week season. These themes include Cake, Biscuit, Bread, Caramel, Dessert, Pastry, and two new additions dubbed Autumn and 1970s.

In Biscuit Week, the competition resulted in Jeff and Hazel’s elimination, while Nelly further elaborated on the metaphor of the forest and her shining stars:

“You’re going in your life through so many obstacles and the forest represents all these horrible obstacles which we have to do in our life. And it’s dark and it’s painful, but in every tunnel, in every forest, is a light. Maybe small, teeny weeny, but it will get there,”stated Nelly.

Nelly: A Self-Taught Baker on The Great British Baking Show

The 44-year-old Nelly, a palliative care assistant from Dorset, has overcome significant challenges in her life. Despite her pregnancy struggles, she is now a proud mother of two young boys whom she treasures dearly. Originally hailing from Slovakia, Nelly relocated to Austria with hopes of pursuing a nursing career.

Nelly’s journey in baking was influenced by her father, an enthusiastic baker who often made bread during her childhood. As her father preferred savory treats, Nelly self-taught her way into sweet baking creations. Over time, she has incorporated Slovakian flavors and spices to celebrate her husband’s Pakistani heritage in her bakes.

In addition to her work, Nelly enjoys crafting jewelry and indulging in true crime shows during her leisure time.

Fans of The Great British Bake Off can catch the third episode on Netflix in the US on October 11, 2024, while in the UK, it airs on Channel 4 on October 8 at 8 PM.

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