Great British Bake Off's Nadiya Hussain, Birmingham Town Hall - review

Now releasing her debut fictional novel, The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters, Hussain found herself at the Town Hall in Birmingham for 'An Evening With' event in conversation with Immy Kaur from Impact Hub Birmingham.

Speaking in depth about her latest book, which was on sale in the foyer, Hussain spoke of how its influence stems from her own family experience.

It follows the story of a nuclear Bangladeshi family, to which the audience was shocked to find out that Hussain is one of an astonishing 72 grandchildren.

Speaking of her wishes to always write a novel, Hussain stated her hopes that people would find the characters within the book relatable whilst hoping it provided an insight into a world that many perhaps know nothing about.

Throughout the evening Hussain opened up about her struggles with panic disorder and the solace that writing provides away from her condition.

She also spoke in depth of how her career over the past eighteen months has been a quest to challenge her fears and prove her capabilities outside of the stay at home mum role she had found in herself in for the eight years prior to the Great British Bake Off.

After a warm, inspiring and insightful evening there was time for fans to meet Nadiya for a signing after the event, during which she took the time to meet and greet fans young and old.

Walking away from the evening you can't help but feel that you spent an evening with a friend you had known for years, a humble and down to earth star baker.

By Daniel Earl