TV chef Nadiya Hussain has announced her cookery show has not been renewed by the BBC for another series.
Hussain has fronted several food programmes for the BBC since winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, including Nadiya Bakes, Nadiya’s Fast Flavours and Nadiya’s Simple Spices.
But in a new post on Instagram, Hussain said the BBC had “decided they didn’t want to commission the show anymore”, which she described as a “huge turning point”.
A BBC spokesperson said: “After several wonderful series we have made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment.”
The statement continued: “Nadiya remains a much-valued part of the BBC family, and we look forward to working together on future projects.”
Hussain also used her five-minute video message to discuss the war in Gaza as well as how she feels about being a Muslim woman in the food industry.
Hussain’s other series for the broadcaster have included Nadiya’s Everyday Baking and Nadiya’s Cook Once Eat Twice, as well as the documentary Nadiya: Anxiety and Me.
Broadcasters make decisions on which shows to commission based on a number of factors, including viewing figures and value for money, while some shows are rested to make way for new talent.
Hussain told her followers: “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.
“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’.”
Hussain is one of the best known contestants to have appeared on Bake Off, and one of the few to have gone on to front her own cookery programmes for a major TV network.
In the same five-minute video message, Hussain discussed her place in the food industry, as well as her position on Gaza.
“I’m way more mindful of who I work with, brands I work with, especially if they are brands that support the genocide,” she said. “I’ve made sure I’m actively working with brands that align with me.”
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’ cross-border attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 54,607 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 4,335 since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March, according to the territory’s health ministry.
“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.”
Many high-profile brands are currently being scrutinised for any links, perceived links, or public positions on either side of the Gaza conflict.
Reflecting on her career, Hussain also said she had occasionally struggled while working in the food industry due to her background and the way she is perceived by some.
“It’s really difficult,” she said. “As a Muslim woman, I work in an industry that doesn’t always support people like me or recognise my talent or full potential.
“There’s a lot of gaslighting, making me feel like what’s actually happening isn’t happening.”
Hussain said she was moving in a “positive direction”, adding: “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.”
