Great British Bake Off champion Nadiya Hussain has stepped away from her teaching assistant role at a primary school after just over three months, citing severe impacts on her health.
Emotional Instagram Revelation
In a tearful Instagram video shared with her million-plus followers, the 41-year-old 2015 Bake Off winner opened up about her decision. “Hi guys, giving you a life update that you didn’t ask for but you are going to get anyway,” she began, wiping away tears.
Hussain explained that the cancellation of her BBC cookery show left her at a crossroads. She explored options like opening a business or pop-up restaurant but felt drawn to working with young children. “I’ve always wanted to work with children in younger years as a teaching assistant,” she shared.
She secured a position at Giles Brook Primary School near her Milton Keynes home, assisting in Year One’s Crickets Class. Public school newsletters confirmed her October appointment and subsequent departure last month, with staff wishing her well.
Health Challenges Force Tough Choice
Hussain, who lives with fibromyalgia diagnosed in 2024 and a gastro autoimmune disease affecting her gut and vitamin absorption, found the school environment overwhelming. “Anyone who works in a school setting knows there are lots of coughs and colds bugs, and I just couldn’t get better,” she stated.
Constant illness took a toll on her mental health and performance. “I had to put my health first. I’m better for it but I’m sad, really sad,” she added. “It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”
Despite the heartbreak, the experience clarified her passions. “It made me realise that there are certain sectors I would like to work in,” Hussain noted, ending on an optimistic note: “So back to the drawing board and figuring stuff out.”
Career Shifts and Future Plans
Following the BBC’s decision not to recommission her show—stating she remains “a much-valued part of the BBC family”—Hussain received offers from Channel 4 and ITV. However, she seeks deeper creative involvement. “I want a real relationship with broadcasters where we’re making television that means something,” she said in a recent interview.
She expressed interest in documentaries, travelogues on meaningful issues, and continuing her cookbooks. Stress from the show’s end exacerbated her fibromyalgia symptoms, prompting a slower pace. “Now I do everything at a much calmer, slower, more measured pace,” she revealed.
Fan and Celebrity Support Pours In
Fans flooded her post with encouragement, suggesting online children’s cooking shows or a Bake Off judging role. Celebrities joined in: actress Lisa Faulkner posted, “You are brilliant and I love you.” TV doctor Dr. Amir Khan added, “As a doctor I totally get this. You have to look after your health.”
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, affecting up to 2.7% of people worldwide—three times more women than men. Often triggered by trauma, infections, or events like childbirth, it causes aches, burning sensations, exhaustion, headaches, IBS, poor concentration, and sensitivity to stimuli.
Severe cases hinder work and socializing. Diagnosis averages five years due to inconclusive tests. Treatment focuses on pain relief and better sleep.
