Nadiya Hussain reveals father's stark warning about her husband's looks before marriage

Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain has opened up about her marriage to husband Abdal, who she says has been her 'rock' as she dealt with fame after winning the show in 2015

Great British Bake Off champion Nadiya Hussain has opened up about a poignant warning from her father before she tied the knot with her husband.

Nadiya, who triumphed in the sixth series of the beloved baking competition, hadn't initially set her sights on marriage, aiming instead for higher education. However, she recounts that her parents barred her from university, "fearing the influence" it might have on her.

Growing up in a traditional Bengali household in Luton, Nadiya revealed to Fabulous magazine that she saw marriage as her "ticket to freedom". Her parents had plans to arrange a marriage with a cousin in Bangladesh.

But Nadiya was determined to "marry for love". She started chatting with Abdal, who would become her husband, after two months of phone conversations.

The TV star admitted she felt she was "punching above her weight", describing Abdal as "tall, fair-skinned and good-looking". It was then that her father gave her a sombre caution.

Speaking to Fabulous, the 39 year old shared: "I worried I was 'punching'. Colourism is rife in our community and if, like me, you've got dark skin, you're often criticised. I was also short and bigger than my sisters, so felt I had nothing going for me. I'll never forget what my dad said on seeing Abdal's picture: 'I don't know that he'll stay with you forever, because he's very good-looking.'".

Despite her fears, within weeks the couple met and settled down in Leeds, sharing a home with Abdal's brothers. Nadiya recounted how she would start cooking for 13 family members at 8am on weekends, which eventually led to her "obsession with baking".

Nadiya Hussain has opened up about the pivotal role her husband played in her journey to becoming a Bake Off champion, revealing that it was Abdal who downloaded the application form and whose unwavering support was crucial as she adapted to newfound fame.

She expressed her gratitude, saying: "Without Abdal, I wouldn't have gotten through becoming famous overnight. I think that's the key to a successful marriage evolving together through ever-changing circumstances."

As they approach their 20th wedding anniversary, Nadiya shared that they aim to "set an example" for their three children. Reflecting on her own upbringing, she noted that while her parents' marriage wasn't "overly loving", her years with Abdal have been "the best years of her life".