ITV viewers were left heartbroken after learning Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain debated attempting suicide at just 10-years-old.
During the latest instalment of the popular ITV docuseries Life Stories, Kate Garraway welcomed the professional baker onto the show to discuss how her life has changed since she won the BBC One series in 2015.
But fans were shocked to hear how the 37-year-old struggled growing up in the heart of Luton after she revealed how she was bullied by two fellow students at school.
And the bullying didn’t just include horrible names being screamed across the playground as she explained how she was regularly hit and beaten in the bathroom.
(Image: ITV)
One of the most painful memories included two boys repeatedly slamming her fingers in between a heavy fire door, and forcing her head into a toilet while they repeatedly flushed it.
And it got to a point where the star would actively avoid going to school by any means possible which left her in a dangerous position.
When she was in years five, the student leant about the meaning of the word suicide and naively thought this would be the best way to stop getting bullied at school.
(Image: ITV)
She told viewers at home: “All I knew was that I didn’t want to go to school tomorrow, all I knew was that I didn’t want to be bullied tomorrow and so I thought, ‘Well if I die, I won’t get bullied’.”
Kate clarified: “So you were 10 years old thinking this was a way out, this was a way to stop the terror.”
Nadiya continued: “Yes, this was literally a few days after having my head flushed down the toilet.
(Image: ITV)
“My family were sat downstairs and I remember I was sat with a glass of water and I had maybe five or six pills and I thought, ‘Oh, well I’m going to need some more water’.
“And that’s when I went downstairs and my dad pulled me over and said, ‘We have an announcement – your mum’s having a baby’.
“And this is how naive I was, I was like, ‘Oh, well I’ll do this once I’ve met the baby’ and I promised myself that I would end that suffering but I’d have to meet him first.”
She went on: “And that’s my brother Shaq who’s on the videos and I always say to him, ‘You don’t realise but you saved me’.”
It was at this point that fans swarmed to Twitter as they shared their compassion for Nadiya online.
One user wrote: “It’s so heartbreaking hearing some of the things being said in this interview.
“It’s so amazing to see how far Nadiya has come and she should be so proud of herself. Such a gem.’
(Image: BBC/Wall to Wall Media/Cliff Evans)
Another added: “Resonated so much with you @BegumNadiya! Thank you for sharing your story with us and for being so candid and honest. You are most definitely living in your purpose … Keep on walking and keep shining sis!”
A third penned: “What an amazing woman & an amazing story. I love your cooking & your personality. I’m sorry that bullying in your youth is the likely cause of your ongoing anxiety, but you’ve well & truly shown them.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
