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Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain hits out at BBC after they axed her show as she claims ‘they will keep you until you’re of no use to them’

BBG News

Star of The Great British Bake Off, Nadiya Hussain, has criticized the BBC following their decision to cancel her cooking show series. She assertively stated, “They’ll hold onto you until you’re no longer useful.

In last month’s announcement, it was disclosed that the broadcaster chose not to continue airing the program of the 2015 baking competition champion.

In a heartfelt social media post, I, Nadiya (aged 40), expressed my belief that I have been unjustly treated by the BBC following the unexpected cancelation. I couldn’t help but speak up about it.

The TV personality said: ‘I am allowed to feel angry when I’m treated unfairly.’

Nadiya recently chatted with Paul C Brunson on the “We Need to Talk” podcast, where they talked about the role of a Muslim woman in British media.

When asked why she decided not to continue her agreements with the BBC, she explained that she had come to realize she was “very much a BBC type,” implying that perhaps she had been manipulated into maintaining a completely impartial stance.

Here’s my attempt:

“Finally, they think they’ve got me on the hook – keeping me neutral. But let me make this clear, I can’t be kept silent! I’ve got strong views and I won’t hold back expressing them.

In her opinion, here’s what transpired: ‘She believes they held onto you until you were no longer beneficial to them, and that’s likely what occurred.’

Following her victory on The Great British Bake Off, Nadiya hosted a number of programs such as “Nadiya’s Asian Journey”, “Nadiya’s One Pot Wonders” and “Nadiya’s Simple Family Cooking”.

Nadiya claimed she was never given an exact reason as to why they couldn’t commission her show.

She added: ‘It was intriguing as we often discussed it, and he remarked that there would come a time when they wouldn’t need you any longer. Once you no longer conform to their specific mold, which is neatly packaged, if you stop fitting that mold, there’ll be no room for you.’

I guess I no longer belong there, and truthfully, I’ve never been fond of being confined. Instead, I thrive on breaking through barriers – if it’s all right with you.

She expressed: “I was constantly made to believe that my achievement could be snatched away at any moment. Since I felt obliged, due to the circumstances, to remain perpetually thankful for the chance that I received.

A Muslim who is relatable, similar to a ‘People’s Muslim’, an individual of color who resonates with many, or a more accessible representation of myself.

Nadiya, the TV chef, revealed her future plans by stating: “I believe I’ll be authentic and completely open, without any filters or interference, free to express myself without restrictions on what I can or cannot do or say.

A representative from the BBC announced that, following a series of successful cooking shows, they’ve chosen not to produce another one featuring Nadiya Hussain for now.

As a cherished member of the BBC family, I am honored to continue collaborating with them on exciting future endeavors.

In a recent Instagram post last month, Nadiya shared that since discussing her situation with the BBC, she has been inundated with messages. These messages include words of gratitude and appreciation from people, encouraging her to appreciate the opportunities she’s had and recognize how far she’s progressed.

Growing up in an immigrant family, I often felt that I should constantly express gratitude due to witnessing my family’s consistent expressions of thankfulness for opportunities like gaining entry, securing employment (even if undercompensated), and ensuring safety, often at the cost of remaining silent.

Displaying a sense of thankfulness even amidst feelings of fatigue, solitude, or disregard. Initially, the practice of gratitude resonated with me as it was ingrained in me since my childhood, being the only perspective I knew.

Eventually, it becomes quite burdensome. Expressing feelings of discontent or longing felt like I was supposed to don an unspoken cloak of gratitude at all times. Whenever I shared my frustrations or sadness, it seemed as though there was a subtle yet pervasive weight, a sense that I should feel fortunate for the opportunity and not complain.

In my professional opinion, it’s essential to acknowledge that gratitude isn’t the only emotion we’re entitled to experience. As humans, we have a right to feel a range of emotions, including anger when we encounter injustice, and a strong desire to improve our lives and those of our loved ones.

In simple terms, ‘I have the right to express myself freely, to live fully with all my complexities, emotions, hopes, and sometimes constructive criticism – just as anyone else does. Gratitude is important, but it shouldn’t suppress or silence me, not in a way that a dog’s muzzle silences its bark.’

We didn’t merely arrive with the intention of existing. Instead, we chose to be present to experience life, flourish, participate, and connect. We aim not as visitors but as individuals who possess aspirations, value, and self-worth equal to everyone around us.

‘So no, I won’t always be grateful and that doesn’t make me ungrateful, it makes me human.

Through diligence, resilience, and innate ability, I’ve managed to reach where I am today. But let me clarify, it doesn’t mean I’m ungrateful. Quite the contrary, I acknowledge the skills I possess played a significant role in my journey. It’s merely a reminder of my capabilities, something that might inspire reflection.

It comes after Nadiya opened up about the ‘changes in her career’ in an Instagram post. 

The chef told her 950k followers: ‘One huge change is that there will be no cookery show. 

It appears the cookery show won’t continue as planned. The BBC has chosen not to proceed with producing it.

For myself, that moment marked a significant shift as it involved an activity I had been engaged with for a decade.

As a fanatic enthusiast, I found myself on an upward trajectory, eagerly contemplating the future direction of my professional journey.

When the BBC chose not to proceed with the show, it served as a confirmation for me, pushing me to stand firm and decide, “Alright, I know where I belong.

In her discussion about her career, she mentioned, “In truth, being a Muslim woman in this field can be quite challenging. The industry often fails to acknowledge individuals like myself or fully utilize my skills and abilities.

‘And as a lot gaslighting and making you feel like what’s actually happening isn’t happening. 

For myself, this transformation has been monumental – a massive shift that I eagerly embrace. It’s an exciting leap forward that I can’t wait to delve deeper into.

I aim to progress in a constructive manner, and my ideal is to collaborate with individuals who share the values of empowering voices similar to mine.

Nadiya has had a very successful career since winning GBBO 10 years ago. 

Immediately following the performance, she secured “The Chronicles of Nadiya” on BBC One. In the very same year, she served as a judge for Junior Bake Off.

The following year she presented an eight-part series called Nadiya’s British Food Adventure. 

Beyond my popular cooking show on the BBC, I’ve had the pleasure of gracing programs like The One Show and ITV’s Loose Women as a guest reporter multiple times.

Nadiya also has written a number of cooking books over the years.

Some include Nadiya’s Kitchen, Nadiya’s Every Day Baking and Cook Once, Eat Twice.

As a dedicated devotee, I too have penned several novels, including “The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters,” “Spreading My Wings,” and “Today I’m Strong.

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2025-07-15 22:37

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