Nadiya Hussain, the celebrated television chef who captured hearts after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, has announced that her cookery show will not be returning to the BBC for another series. This marks a significant shift for Hussain, who has been a prominent face on the network with shows like Nadiya bakes, Nadiya’s Fast Flavours, and Nadiya’s Simple Spices.

The Announcement and BBC’s Response

Hussain shared the news via an Instagram post, describing the BBC’s decision as a huge turning point. she elaborated on the impact this has had on her career trajectory.

The BBC have decided that they didn’t want to commission a show. And for me, that was a huge turning point because it’s something I’ve done for the past 10 years.

Nadiya hussain, Instagram

In response, a BBC spokesperson stated:

After several wonderful series we have made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment. Nadiya remains a much-valued part of the BBC family, and we look forward to working together on future projects.

BBC Spokesperson

Hussain’s Perspective: A Time for Change

Hussain indicated that the BBC’s decision has solidified her resolve to steer her career in a new direction. She expressed a desire to take more ownership of her work and collaborate with those who value her voice and talent.

I was already on this steady trajectory of change and I was thinking about where I wanted my career to go, and when the BBC decided they didn’t want to commission the show anymore, it really did kind of solidify everything for me, and it made me dig my heels in and think ‘OK, I know where I want to be’.

Nadiya Hussain,Instagram

More Than Just cookery: Addressing Wider Issues

In her video message,Hussain also addressed broader issues,including the conflict in Gaza and her experiences as a Muslim woman in the food industry. She emphasized the importance of aligning with brands that share her values, notably concerning humanitarian issues.

I’m way more mindful of who I work with, brands I work with, especially if they are brands that support the genocide. I’ve made sure I’m actively working with brands that align with me.

Nadiya Hussain, Instagram

Challenges in the Food Industry

Hussain openly discussed the challenges she has faced as a Muslim woman in the food industry, highlighting instances where she felt unsupported or undervalued.

It’s really difficult. As a Muslim woman, I work in an industry that doesn’t always support people like me or recognize my talent or full potential. Ther’s a lot of gaslighting, making me feel like what’s actually happening isn’t happening.

Nadiya Hussain, Instagram

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, Hussain remains optimistic about the future. She is working on new projects and is excited about taking greater control over her career.

I’m working on some new things, but for me it’s about being my most authentic self, and working with people who believe my voice has a platform, and believing in my talent… It’s been interesting because there have been lots of changes in my career, that I’m really excited about, I’m excited about taking back a bit of ownership of what I do, how I do it and who I work with, and that’s given me a freedom I haven’t had in the last 10 years.

Nadiya Hussain, Instagram

Nadiya’s BBC Legacy

Beyond nadiya Bakes, Nadiya’s Fast Flavours and Nadiya’s Simple Spices, Hussain’s other BBC series have included Nadiya’s Everyday Baking and Nadiya’s Cook Once Eat Twice, as well as the documentary Nadiya: Anxiety and Me. She remains one of the most successful contestants from Bake Off,having transitioned into a prominent television personality.