Great British Bake Off winner nearly quit show before it began

Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Jamir Hussain has revealed she nearly quit the show – before even joining it.
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Jamir Hussain. Picture: PAGreat British Bake Off winner Nadiya Jamir Hussain. Picture: PA
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Jamir Hussain. Picture: PA

Hussain, who baked to victory in the nail-biting finale against Tamal Ray and Ian Cumming, said: “Before I did Bake Off I did wonder if, after ten years of being at home, I was work ready.

“When I was called for the final 12 I nearly rang to tell them I couldn’t do it.”

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She added: “My speech when I won came from somewhere deep. It was all about the boundaries I put on myself. But with each week of Bake Off another boundary fell away until I felt completely open and free to run as far as I wanted. I feel there’s nothing I can’t do.”

Posing with her family – husband Abdal and their children Musa, nine, Dawud, eight, and Maryam, five – she said she definitely wants to keep baking and cooking.

“I’d love to do telly and write a book and whatever else comes along, nothing’s sealed yet. None of this feels like work, it feels like fun,” she said.

“I’m having such an amazing time, I never imagined I would enjoy it so much. I want to grab it with both hands and say ‘It’s mine!’”