Paul C Brunson, 50, has taken to social media to fiercely defend Bake Off alumna Nadiya Hussain after she claimed she was axed by the BBC for "not fitting in a box" while on his podcast.
The TV personality and podcast host invited Hussain, 40, onto his #1 chart-rated podcast We Need To Talk, where she accused the corporation of cancelling her shows without concrete reasoning.
Hussain won series six of the popular baking show in 2015, before being thrust into the public eye and landing several BBC cooking shows, including Nadiya Bakes, Nadiya's Fast Flavours, and Nadiya's Simple Spices.
The mother of three hit out at the corporation on Brunson's podcast, which aired yesterday, claiming she was given no "definitive" reason as to why her show was axed.
The host has now taken to social media to praise Hussain's vulnerability and honesty for standing up to the corporation, and labels the episode as a "must-watch".
He wrote: "The @nadiyajhussain episode is out now (I've already watched it twice).
"I've also read hundreds of comments across platforms, and while there have been thousands, the message is clear and consistent: Nadia is a modern-day hero. This episode will bring you to tears.
"But more than that, it will move you to reflect on what truth-telling, courage, and self-love really mean.
We Need to Talk
|Paul C Brunson and Nadiya Hussain on the podcast 'We Need to Talk'.
"I've heard from so many people, especially those whose parents are first-generation immigrants, sharing how deeply this conversation has touched them.
"That matters because we share our lives and our communities with people whose stories we may not fully understand. This episode helps bridge that gap."
He finished by taking a light swipe at the BBC, saying: "Nadiya said it best: the key is to have conversations. That's exactly what @weneedtotalk was created for.
"This is not just one to watch, it's one to share. With your friends, with your family, especially those who need to feel seen or want to better understand someone they love. it's out now. Watch it today."
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A screenshot of the statement Brunson posted to his Instagram stories
Hussain claimed she was told by the BBC that they had 'lots of reasons why they couldn't commission the show", but that the corporation supposedly failed to provide her with a definitive answer.
The chef elaborated on her treatment by the broadcaster, saying they told her to say she was leaving to focus on "different projects", despite claiming that statement was "not the truth".
After she refused to agree to the BBC's alleged terms and requests, Hussain took to social media to reveal her shows had been cancelled.
Speaking about her departure, Hussain added: "My husband and I always spoke about it, and he just said, 'There's going to be a point where they're not going to need you anymore'"
"The second you don't fit the box, like they have a neat little box, when you don't fit that box anymore, there'll be no space for you - I guess I don't fit the box anymore".
She concluded with a swipe at the broadcaster, saying: "My show got great ratings, I can't see why my show wasn't recommissioned."
Hussain also described vile abuse she had received from trolls online.
She recalled: "The production team lived in my house because of the death threats, very graphic emails about they'd like me to die, how they'd like to abuse me, how they wish that my children would get tuberculosis and die slow and painful deaths - I'll never forget it."
BBC
|Nadiya starred in several BBC cookery shows during her time with the corporation
A BBC spokesperson said in response to her social media post: "After several wonderful series we have made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment.
"Nadiya remains a much valued part of the BBC family, and we look forward to working together on future projects."
The GBBO alumni claims she wants to start afresh, like she did "10 years ago" after she won the show.
Hussain hasn't currently announced any new shows with rival broadcasters.