‘Nadiya Bakes’ on Netflix Will Remind You Why Nadiya is the ‘Great British Baking Show’ MVP

The Great British Baking Show has launched dozens of food stars in its decade on the air, but no one quite as beloved as Nadiya Hussain. The 36-year-old “mum” didn’t just win the 2015 season of the series, but she won all of her hearts. Her emotional journey from insecure baker on the bubble to triumphant winner is still considered the most emotional arc in the series’ history. Since then, Nadiya has baked Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday cake, become an advocate for mental health, and hosted a string of popular BBC cooking series.

Hussain’s latest show, Nadiya Bakes, is a half-hour Netflix series that offers audiences Nadiya’s go-to baking hacks as well as looks at other inspiring British bakers. Most importantly, though, Nadiya Bakes is a sweet reminder of what made her the MVP of The Great British Baking Show‘s run in the first place.

Audiences first met Nadiya Hussain nearly six years ago, when she appeared as a contestant on The Great British Baking Show. Nadiya immediately made an impression with her relatable mix of good cheer and frazzled nerves. In fact, she was almost eliminated early on, but she bounced back with tenacity and grace. As the season went on, Nadiya showed off a penchant for great flavors and even greater amounts of creativity. She made fondant from scratch out of marshmallows like it was normal!!

Surprising even herself, Nadiya took home the top prize and gave viewers one of the most emotional speeches in Great British Baking Show‘s history: “I’m never gonna put boundaries on myself ever again. I’m never gonna say I can’t do it. I’m never gonna say ‘maybe’. I’m never gonna say, ‘I don’t think I can.’ I can and I will.”

After winning, Nadiya’s star continued to rise, but until recently she shied away from focusing on the talent that made her famous in the first place: baking. Sure she’d add a baked dessert to episodes of her other cooking shows, but Nadiya Bakes is a celebration of Hussain in her element. It’s all bakes, all sweets, all breads, all treats, and all self-care.

Filmed during the pandemic, Nadiya Bakes leans into the true joys of baking. Whether it’s the fun of punching up an old recipe with your favorite recipes or just comforting yourself with a slice of decadence, Nadiya Bakes is there for you. As a public personality, Hussain hasn’t just charmed viewers with her recipes, but opened up to them. A key part of her Great British Baking Show journey was about her inner battle to quell the nerves in her own head. In Nadiya Bakes, Nadiya continues her mission not to shy away from the darker parts of life. She admits bad moods happen and one of the baker stories she shares is tinged with grief.

When you think of Nadiya Hussain, you might think of the Great British Baking Show tent, but that’s not why we love her so much. Nadiya lets us know it’s okay to feel grief, anxiety, depression, and stress. Moreover, Nadiya is there with us in the fight to push through these dark times. She understands the importance of a comforting dessert at the end of a bad day because she’s had bad days. Nadiya Bakes celebrates finding the light in a world overwhelmed by darkness.

Where to stream Nadiya Bakes