Nadiya Hussain, the celebrated winner of the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off, has embarked on a new chapter in her career, moving from television to education. After the BBC decided not to renew her cookery show last year, Hussain has taken up a position as a teaching assistant at a primary school, a decision she describes as both fulfilling and challenging.
Hussain, who is now 41 years old, gained fame through her appearances on various BBC programmes, including Nadiya Bakes and Nadiya Chronicles. Following her win in 2015, she became a household name, yet her recent exit from the BBC has prompted her to reassess her career path. She expressed surprise and confusion over the BBC’s decision, stating, “I still don’t know why” she was let go.
In a candid interview with Woman & Home magazine, Hussain shared her experiences as she transitioned to her new role. “I’m currently working as a teaching assistant at a lovely little primary school,” she revealed. She aims to gain further training and hopes to become a certified teacher in the future.
Hussain faced scrutiny from some friends and family regarding her career shift. She explained, “There have been lots of tears, sadness and judgement,” as people questioned her decision to leave the limelight. Yet, she remains resolute, stating, “Just because I’m famous doesn’t mean I’m at the top.”
Despite the challenges, Hussain finds joy in her work at the school, where she feels a sense of purpose in helping children. “I’ve had some of my highest moments” since starting this role, she noted, emphasizing that assisting children in feeling safe and achieving their goals is immensely rewarding.
Reflecting on her television career, Hussain revealed that she sensed something was amiss after a decade of steady work with the BBC. She was informed by her agent that the BBC would not be commissioning any new projects with her, leaving her without closure on the matter. “There are no answers, no closure,” she lamented.
A spokesperson for the BBC confirmed the difficult decision, stating, “After several wonderful series, we have made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment.” Despite this setback, the BBC expressed interest in collaborating with her on future projects.
While Hussain is not actively seeking television opportunities now, she has expressed a desire for more creative control in any potential return. She is also interested in producing documentaries that address significant issues, following her impactful programme, Nadiya: Anxiety and Me, which aired in 2019.
As she embraces her new role in education, Hussain continues to inspire many with her resilience and commitment to personal growth. Her story serves as a reminder that career paths can take unexpected turns, and true fulfillment often comes from pursuing one’s passions, regardless of public perception.
