Nadiyators get set for more delicious bakes

If this was written by Harry Hill, there’d only be one way to find out – via a fiiiiigggghhttt! Thankfully we’re far more civilised than that.

It’s five years since Nadiya won The Great British Bake Off, winning the hearts of the nation in the process. But she’s still the young pretender to Mary’s queen of the kitchen crown – it’s 50 years since her first cookery book was published, during her spell as food editor of Ideal Home magazine.

Mary famously wept tears of joy when Nadiya triumphed in the Bake Off, and now they’re going head-to-head as they both launch new series tonight.

Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts sees her demonstrate how to make easy, heart-warming dishes from around the world. Filming ended in January, which means she was able to travel easily; the first episode involves a trip to Paris.

It airs at 8pm, a half hour before Nadiya kicks off her eight-part series. During a recent appearance on The One Show, she revealed how her husband Abdal – who’s a big fan of cake – is one of the reasons she began baking.

“He really likes cake. When we first got married I made a cake and he just ate the whole thing. He just loves cake. He exercises a lot so he can eat a lot of it!”

Presenters Michael Ball and Alex Jones also read out messages from Nadiya’s fans – known as Nadiyators – who claim she has been a huge inspiration to them during lockdown. One woman who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks – Nadiya herself has been open about her battles with both in the past – even stated she tries to ‘be more Nadiya’ while dealing with both issues.

“During lockdown, even if you don’t suffer from it usually, we all felt a level of anxiety,” says the mum-of-three, baker and TV presenter. “But with baking, it helps you step away and appreciate the everyday things.”

No doubt her fans will be tuning in in their thousands as Nadiya shares her passion for baking once again. This time the emphasis is on the joy that can be gleaned from creating and sharing the treats you have made. In each episode she travels across the UK, visiting bakeries preparing the foods that make her the happiest – from choux pastry to churros and beyond. She also meets up with a viewer who needs her help to make a centrepiece for a major celebration.

“Nothing makes me happier than baking,” smiles Nadiya. “I’m so excited to share new recipes and learn from other passionate bakers along the way.”

Both Mary and Nadiya are also publishing books that tie-in with their series, with the latter keen to point out that hers isn’t just about cake.

“There’s lots of variation. I’ve got a blueberry banana cheesecake in there and some savoury Asian noodles that you bake in the oven, just to make it really easy and simple.”