Q&A with GBBO's Nadiya Hussain

Grannyknot

Hi Nadiya, you are very glamorous! Did you always like getting dressed up?

I have always enjoyed getting dressed up. I have 3 sisters and it’s what we did for fun. After having 3 kids I definitely didn’t do it as much, but as they are now a little older I can indulge in my need for bright lipsticks and high shoes.

Teetime

Nadiya when you were preparing for the show and practising the recipes di you find it cost a great deal of money and who did you get to eat all that cake?

You can’t get away with practicing just once, you have to practice several times so being on the show can be costly, but worth it. I didn’t eat all of the practice runs; as soon as the kids were fed up of what I was baking I gave it away to my family and friends and all my neighbours. It’s always great to share the love.

rubysong

How did you decide on the design of the cake you made for the Queen?

I wanted to go for something tall, bright and simple. The Queen always wears bright colours and that’s why I picked a bright purple. I made a lemon drizzle for Mary Berry so I figured let’s make an orange drizzle for the Queen.

Glosgran

Hi Nadiya. You have stolen the nation's heart! It was great to see you 'in the flesh' (you are so tiny!) at the Gloucester Food Festival a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if anyone else has asked you this, but what do you think has led to your huge popularity with the media and the fact that you have become a TV celebrity in the past year with your own wonderful series, 'The Chronicles of Nadiya'. You have also been asked on a number of occasions to be a guest presenter on popular TV shows such as the 'One Show' and 'Loose Women'? None of the previous winners seem to have had anywhere near the level of success or media exposure that you have had and to be honest I can't even remember the names of many of them, even though I have been an avid fan of every GBBO series so far. I'm sure that you're not likely ever to be forgotten now and your face has become as well known as Mary Berry's. What's your secret?

I don’t know if there is a secret. All I can be is myself and that’s what I am doing and I am so honoured and privileged to have been so well received.

mumofmadboys

What is your all time favourite cake? Good luck with your book!

My absolute favourite is carrot cake with walnuts

Auntieflo

Nadiya, I imagine that before all the 'hoo ha' created by winning Bake Off, that you were a private person. Now with your programme about India, what has all the subsequent publicity done to your home life?

Life is really busy and I spend a lot more time away from home but we have great balance and my husband and I make a great team.

KatyK

Hello Nadiya

This is a similar question to Auntieflo above. I am interested to know how your life has changed since winning Bake Off and would you say it has changed for the better. Also, are there any down sides to being famous?

I’m much busier now outside of home and my life has definitely changed for the better. I see the children less but we have struck a balance. When I’m not around Abdal is and when Abdal is at work I’m at home. Being in the public eye means I can’t go out for a pint of milk in my pyjamas like I used to

LullyDully

Well done with your well.deserved success. You have worked hard to conquer all your things that have held you back. I think you are a great role.model and possibly a new nations sweetheart. I would like to come to tea but will make do with your recipe.book.

I would make the pea and mint risotto and the zebra cake for dessert

hdh74

Well done on all your success, much deserved. What has been the best thing that has happened to you since GBBO?

Baking the cake for the Queen

mischief

Just finished watching The Chronicles of Nadiya and absolutely loved it on so many levels.

Which do you like best, the traditional receipes or one's that you have created.

Traditional recipes are the recipes that are dearest to me because they are recipes that I have learnt from my grandma and my mum. But the ones I have created are also important as they are the ones that tap into my creative side.