Ms Hussain, who rose to fame after winning the 2015 series of The Great British Bake Off, went on to front a string of BBC shows, including Nadiya Bakes, Nadiya’s Fast Flavours and Nadiya’s Simple Spices, while also releasing multiple cookbooks.

However, she told Woman & Home magazine that the end of her 10-year partnership with the broadcaster came without explanation.

“I had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right because over the last 10 years, we’ve had a regimented timeline of when my cookbooks came out, and my cookery show would be filmed,” she said.

The chef revealed filming dates had already been arranged when her agent informed her the BBC would not be continuing with her series.

“I appreciate that it’s an industry, it’s a business and it’s about making money, but I still don’t know [why they let me go] because I haven’t had a conversation with anyone,” Ms Hussain added. “There are no answers, no closure.”

Despite receiving interest from ITV and Channel 4 about potential new projects, she decided against returning to television, explaining it was “not something” she wanted at that stage.

Instead, Ms Hussain began applying for conventional roles, filling out application forms and attending interviews.

“I did get people ringing me, asking, ‘Sorry, is this actually the Nadiya Hussain?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes, it is and I am looking for a job, and I would like an opportunity,'” she said.

She even spent time observing pupils in the classroom as part of the recruitment process.

The baker admitted that some within her circle have questioned her decision to move into teaching, asking why she has “gone back to the bottom”, but she insists that fame does not necessarily equate to happiness.

Now settled into her new role, Ms Hussain said she enjoys no longer being the focus of attention.

“I’m really enjoying being in an environment where I’m not the centre of it,” she said.

“I feel like this job is perfect for me. It’s my calling.”

The revelation from Ms Hussain comes just after the chef opened up about her diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes severe muscle pain.

|

GETTY

She described the illness, which she was diagnosed with last year, as “devastating”, explaining that it can leave her bedridden for days and sometimes reliant on a walking stick due to intense, body-wide pain.

In 2024, Ms Hussain revealed she had been diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases after spending two years feeling “quite unwell”.

She later specified that one of the conditions is a gastrointestinal autoimmune disease, which significantly affects her gut health and ability to absorb nutrients.

Ms Hussain has also spoken candidly about a number of mental health conditions that impact her daily life.

She has been open about her lifelong struggle with severe anxiety, panic disorder and PTSD, which she has said stem from childhood bullying.

The baker previously explained that she hopes speaking openly about her experiences will help others facing similar challenges.