Celebrity chef and Great British Bake Off champion, Nadiya Hussain, has released a statement outlining her intention to stay with the BBC for future projects
“Since winning The Great British Bake Off I’ve been lucky to have had some amazing opportunities with the BBC," reads the statement, issued by the broadcaster on Hussain's behalf. "I believe that making it my home gives me the scope to work across such a unique range of diverse and interesting projects."
Currently, the former IT specialist appears as a reporter on The One Show, a guest panelist on ITV's Loose Women, and in August she hosted a two-part food and travel show on BBC One, The Chronicles of Nadiya. Hussain also regularly writes articles for Essentials and The Times Magazine.
"I’m delighted to announce that I will continue making films for The One Show as well as developing other exciting programme ideas. I never thought this would happen, but it is and I have to admit, I’m going to embrace it."
The now professional cook was watched by 15 million viewers when she won the amateur baking show, making the Bake Off final the most watched programme of 2015.
A British-born Bangladeshi Muslim, her win was seen as a milestone in improving public perceptions of the Islamic community, and increasing the presence of Muslims on-screen.
Director of BBC Content, Charlotte Moore credited Hussain in naturally connecting with audiences, and said that she was a "refreshingly authentic" addition to the organisation's presenting line-up.
“Nadiya is exciting new talent and it’s been great watching her thrive creatively since she won Bake Off last year. I’m really looking forward to exploring new territories and perspectives with her."
