Nadiya Hussain reveals feelings on parting ways with the BBC: “I’d had really difficult conversations”

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Nadiya Hussain became a household name after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015. She went from being a stay-at-home mom to a well-known chef with her own TV shows, cookbooks, and brand partnerships. However, the BBC cancelled her programs last year, and she largely stepped away from the public eye. She’s now back to promote her newest book, Nadiya’s Quick Comforts, but this time without a corresponding TV series.

Hussain says she’s disappointed because she enjoys sharing her recipes and enthusiasm with viewers. She also reveals that towards the end of her time working with the BBC, she had expressed worries about the production of her shows.

She explains she had some tough talks with her team. She told them she wanted to focus solely on the recipes and the food itself, and move away from focusing on her appearance or elaborate sets. She wanted the show to be about the cooking, not the presentation. Soon after, the show was cancelled.

A recent report claimed the BBC ended its relationship with Hussain because she was perceived as challenging to work with. When asked about this, Hussain explained that she believes her willingness to speak her mind likely cost her the job. She points out that women – especially women of color – are often labeled as ‘difficult’ or ‘problematic’ for voicing their opinions, while a man expressing the same views would likely be seen as assertive or simply ‘being himself.’

So far, offers from TV networks have been turned down, but Hussain is open to returning to television if the right opportunity arises. She emphasizes that any future role must be meaningful and contribute to greater diversity within the industry. After 11 years in the field, she’s noticed a lack of representation and wants to help create pathways for people of color and those from ethnic minority backgrounds to enter the television industry, essentially acting as a mentor or advocate to help them get their foot in the door.

I’ve been thinking about starting my own production company, really taking control of things. It’s a little scary, honestly, but I figure what do I have to lose? Right now, though, I’m happiest when I’m working outside the usual Hollywood machine – just being somewhere where I call the shots, where nobody’s telling me what I can and can’t do with my work. It’s about creative freedom, you know?

Last September, Hussain started a job as a teaching assistant at a primary school near her home in Milton Keynes. However, she had to leave the position because her fibromyalgia and gastric atrophy weakened her immune system, making her constantly sick while working with children. She’s now planning to train in special needs education, which will allow her to work with smaller groups of students. As a first step, she’s already begun learning sign language.

Hussain’s oldest child, 19-year-old Musa, has already moved out with her husband, and her 18-year-old son, Dawud, is preparing to go to university in September. That will leave Hussain with just her 15-year-old daughter, Maryam. Hussain says she and her family are hoping to downsize to a smaller home with some land, where they could keep animals like alpacas and a donkey.

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I’ve noticed Hussain isn’t away from home as much lately, and it’s made me think. Looking through old photo albums with Abdal, I suddenly realised how much of my kids’ lives I’ve missed while working all over the world – from LA to Southeast Asia. I even missed moving house three times! I’ve been wondering if all the sacrifices were worth it. I think, to a degree, they were, but I definitely don’t want to feel in ten years that I prioritized my career over my children. Honestly, anyone who says your kids need you less as they get older is completely wrong.

Hussain says Abdal continues to be the main financial provider, covering her phone bill and offering strong emotional support. She describes him as endlessly optimistic, always believing they can overcome any challenge. She affectionately compares him to Superman, noting his strength and reliability, and admits she enjoys his care and support.

She says she and her partner won’t be watching The Great British Baking Show together anymore. She explains that she’s lost interest, feeling it’s losing its charm. It sometimes feels like it’s trying to compete with the more over-the-top shows on streaming services like Netflix, but she believes it’s perfect as a simple, classic program.

The show is also seeing a cast change, with Nigella Lawson taking over from Prue Leith. Prue had previously replaced Mary Berry when the series moved channels in 2017, joining Paul Hollywood as a judge. According to Hussain, Nigella has big shoes to fill after Prue’s time on the show. She appreciates that Nigella brings a bit of fun and spontaneity, something she admires, and hopes to emulate Prue’s grace when she reaches that age.

Authors

Gemma Calvert

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2026-03-09 21:15