‘I try all my recipes ON MY KIDS!'

Nadiya Hussain reveals why she wants her children to be happy, independent and self-sufficient

- VICKI POWER

Five years on from becoming Bake Off champ, former stay-at-home mum Nadiya Hussain has blossomed into a celebrity chef, successful novelist, role model and all-round national treasure.

Nadiya’s bubbly personality and skill with a spatula have endeared her to millions. Her success is, in part, due to her relatability. As good as her life seems – she is happily married to Abdal and they have three children together – Nadiya is also open about her mental-health struggles.

A combination of factors from Nadiya’s childhood, including racist bullying at school and having two siblings who were in and out of hospital, left her with anxiety and panic disorder.

But baking has always helped Nadiya through the tough times, and so she turned to her mixing bowls when she experienced increased anxiety during lockdown.