Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 12, 2024 4:08 pm GMT
Nadiya Hussain, the beloved winner of The Great British Bake Off, has revealed that she has not watched the show that launched her career in five years. The celebrated chef and author, who won the competition in 2015, cites significant changes to the format and presentation as the reason for her absence. Despite her disconnection from the series, Nadiya continues to thrive in her culinary career, hosting cooking shows, writing bestselling books, and recently launching a new series aimed at reducing food waste.
Shifting Perspectives on The Great British Bake Off
Nadiya Hussain, now 39 years old, shared her feelings about the changes in The Great British Bake Off during an interview with Heat magazine.
– She expressed her fondness for the show during her time on it but added:
> “I stopped watching it about five years ago as it has changed so much since I was on it. It’s a different show now, but I do love that Alison Hammond is the host.”
When Nadiya won back in 2015, the show was marked by the charming duo of Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins as hosts and the iconic judging pair of Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. However, she noted that in the years following her victory, the original cast had been almost entirely replaced:
– In 2017, Mel and Sue departed, with Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig taking their place.
– Mary was succeeded by Prue Leith, and this cast has remained stable since 2018, despite the presenter’s shifts.
The evolution of the show has contributed to Nadiya’s decision to step away from it, making her feel somewhat disconnected from the franchise that once offered her a platform for her culinary ambitions.
Facing Adversity
While Nadiya’s journey has led to remarkable achievements, it has not been without its challenges. After winning Bake Off, she faced a barrage of racial abuse, including terrifying death threats. This harassment persisted each time she launched a new project, adding layers of complexity to her career.
– Reflecting on this difficult period, she told a British publication:
> “I was terrified. My family was worried about what I had let myself in for, but I knew I had to keep going. I have learned to shut out the negative noise.”
Nadiya’s strength has allowed her to pursue her passions alongside raising her three children—Musa, 17, Dawud, 16, and Mariam, 13. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, particularly in the face of adversity.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Nadiya’s background as a second-generation Bangladeshi immigrant also shapes her story. Recently, she shared moving recollections of her grandfather’s struggles against racial abuse when he first arrived in the UK. She remarked on his resilience:
> “He would be so proud of me because he now has a granddaughter with an MBE, and it would signify belonging.”
Her respect for her family history, combined with her passion for cooking, has propelled her career in ways that resonate with many. She has not only faced challenges but used them to inspire others, particularly within the culinary realm.
New Ventures and Innovative Cooking
Nadiya’s latest project is a six-part series titled *Cook Once, Eat Twice*. This program airs on BBC2 and is accompanied by a book of the same name in which she shares inventive recipes aimed at reducing food waste and maximizing the use of leftovers.
– The project highlights how cooking can be both creative and resourceful, encouraging people to make the most of their meals.
Nadiya explained her vision:
> “I want to show that cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. Food should be fun, accessible, and most importantly, it shouldn’t go to waste.”
As she ventures into this project, Nadiya Hussain continues to break boundaries, inspire others, and maintain her status as a beloved figure within the culinary world.
Conclusion
Nadiya Hussain’s choice to leave The Great British Bake Off shows how much she has grown and changed. With her new projects, she proves that being strong and facing challenges can lead to great success. Nadiya’s journey highlights how important it is to celebrate your background, be creative in cooking, and enjoy the process of making food. As she looks ahead, her story inspires us with her strength, determination, and love for cooking.
