David Schwimmer reveals the tragic reason he signed up for Celebrity Bake Off

David Schwimmer has revealed the tragic reason he signed up to appear in The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer.

The actor, 56, explained he wanted to take part in the charity special because his grandma died from the disease, and so did his ex-wife Zoe Buckman’s mother.

In footage obtained by The Mirror ahead of Sunday’s episode, he also told viewers that his sister Ellie had battled with cancer as well.

The Friends star said: ‘I lost a grandmother to cancer, my daughter lost a grandmother to cancer and my sister is a cancer survivor, so it’s important to me.

‘I am just grateful I can help in any small way raise more awareness.

‘I am here to have fun. I am here to raise money for a great charity. It’s a great cause and I happen to be a massive fan of the show.’

The Primetime Emmy Award nominee was married to his ex-wife Zoë Buckman between 2010 and 2017. They share one daughter Cleo, 11.

Back in 2020, David paid tribute to Ellie on National Sibling Day.

He honoured his older sister with a touching post including a sweet caption and throwback snaps.

In one image the duo were in their very young years while another showed a more recent snap of David hugging Ellie, 57, at a graduation ceremony.

His impassioned caption read: ‘National Sibling Day was yesterday, and I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank my big sister…

‘She’s been there for me through thick and thin, through so much laughter and, yes, tears (like when she “accidentally” slammed the bathroom door on my hand)…

‘I couldn’t be more grateful to have such an amazing person in my life. Love you Ellie. And don’t forget… I’ll always be younger. Ha.’

The Great British Bake Off recently released a first look picture ahead of their 2023 celebrity special in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

Siblings: The actor, 56, explained he wanted to take part in the charity special because his sister Ellie had battled with cancer

Family: The Primetime Emmy Award nominee was married to his ex-wife Zoë Buckman between 2010 and 2017. They share one daughter Cleo, 11

And leading the stars for the day were former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson and Friends legend David, who is best known for playing Ross Geller.

Offering their beaming smiles, they posed alongside comedian Rose Matafeo and Murder In Successville actor Tom Davis.

The foursome could be seen sitting alongside each other in the tent as they held up a Stand Up To Cancer sign.

The new season will air on Sunday evenings as opposed to its previous Tuesday slot, with the season opener confirmed to be broadcast on Channel 4 on Sunday March 19 at 7:45pm.

A total of 20 famous faces will be heading into the famous tent, with other names battling for star baker including Loose Women’s Judi Love and Coleen Nolan, comedian Paddy McGuinness and Olympian Tom Daley.

While also jostling for that coveted Hollywood handshake is Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, presenter AJ Odudu, The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, radio host Adele Roberts and Strictly’s Ellie Taylor.

Also taking part in the Channel 4 show are comedians Mike Wozniak and Lucy Beaumont, radio presenter Tim Key and filmmaker David Morrissey.

While completing the star-studded line-up is Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas and Shaun of the Dead actress Jessica Hynes.

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be back once more as judges, alongside hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas – with the latter appearing for one final time.

The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer returns to Channel 4 on Sunday March 19 at 7.45pm. To donate, visit standuptocancer.org.uk.

Coming soon: The Great British Bake Off recently released a first look snap ahead of their 2023 celebrity special in aid of Stand Up To Cancer (L-R) Rose Matafeo, David, Jesy Nelson and Tom Davis