Natalie Tran from The Great Australian Bake Off deeply mourns co-host Cal Wilson, conveying the loss at 53: ‘Cal’s absence leaves the world in profound sadness’

Natalie Tran broke down in tears on The Project Wednesday night as she remembered her friend and colleague Cal Wilson following his death at the age of 53.

The beloved comedian was surrounded by friends on Wednesday when she died at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

After a segment paying tribute to the late comedian, The Project’s Waleed Aly asked The Great Australian Bake Off host how she was following the tragic news.

“I think like everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Cal, I am devastated,” she began.

“I don’t think you can find a single person who would have anything bad to say about him. She was a magnificent person, so kind, generous and funny…

“I am very grateful to have known that it was a very sad day,” she continued, visibly moved.

Co-host Sarah Harris then asked Nat what she would like to work with.

After a segment paying tribute to the late comedian, The Project’s Waleed asked The Great Australian Bake Off host how she was following the tragic news. “I think like everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Cal, I am devastated,” she began

“Cal was like working with a Santa who didn’t care if you were naughty or nice, you got presents either way,” the 37-year-old said, before adding that she wore earrings given to her by Cal from their first meeting. .

“She was a cheerleader for every person who worked with her and we all loved her very much,” she added.

“I would describe Cal as someone who absolutely adored and loved (her husband) Chris and (her) Digby,” she said, breaking down.

“She was one of the greatest humans you could ever meet.”

“The world is a sadder place without Cal,” she says, overcome with emotion.

Cal co-hosted Foxtel’s The Great Australian Bake Off with Tran, Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo.

Earlier today, Purchese revealed the comedian seemed “very ill” the last time he saw her while posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

“Cal was such a light-hearted person and so happy, funny and the kindest,” he wrote.

“This is so unfair and I will never forget my precious time with Cal.”

He also spoke candidly about the last time he saw Wilson.

“I’m sorry this happened to such a good person and I can’t get out of my head the last time I saw her when she was very ill,” he wrote.

Co-host Sarah Harris then asked Nat what she would like to work with. “Cal was like working with a Santa who didn’t care if you were naughty or nice, you got presents either way,” the 37-year-old said, before adding that she wore earrings given to her by Cal from their first meeting. .

“I would describe Cal as someone who absolutely adored and loved (her husband) Chris and (her) Digby,” she said, breaking down. “She was just one of the greatest humans you could ever meet.”

Beloved Comedian Cal Wilson Dies at Age 53

Cal co-hosted Foxtel’s The Great Australian Bake Off with Tran, Darren Purchese (pictured) and Rachel Khoo

Earlier today, Purchese revealed the comedian looked “very ill” the last time he saw her as he paid a heartfelt tribute to her on Instagram.

“I wish I could give her a hug and tell her how much she means to me and to so many people.”

Tributes to the actress continued to pour in after the sad news of her death.

Australian actress Rebel Wilson said: “This is so tragic and my heart goes out to Cal’s family.”

“I’ve been very lucky to work with Cal on several projects, particularly over the last few years, where she has written some brilliant material for me. She was incredibly talented and incredibly kind.

Adam Miller, a finalist on this year’s The Great Australian Bake Off, also shared a tribute and recalled the time Wilson comforted him on set.

“I can’t help but think about the time Cal saw me alone in the corner of the Bake Off shed, noticing that I was rather overwhelmed by it all and gave me the warmest hug and most comforting,” he wrote.

“I burst into tears at that moment, and she stayed there with me, sharing wise and hilarious words to get me through it.”

Wilson was surrounded by friends Wednesday when she died at SydneyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital

She is survived by her husband Chris and her son Digby.

The New Zealand-born star lived in Melbourne, but was reportedly staying in Sydney while filming Foxtel’s The Great Australian Bake Off.

The exact cause of her death is not yet confirmed, but her management team at Token Artists said in a statement Wednesday that she suffered from a “short illness.”

Cal Wilson, left, is pictured with his Great Australian Bake Off co-stars including Maggie Beer (centre) and Darren Purchase