The Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain has thanked her supporters for their “kind words and absolutely wonderful messages” after being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s new year honours list.

The list, which was announced on Friday, features stars including Grease actor Olivia Newton-John, cricketer Ben Stokes and musician Sir Elton John.

Hussain, who won the sixth series of Bake Off in 2015 and has since become an author and television presenter, has been recognised for “services to broadcasting and the culinary arts”.

The chef expressed her joy over the recognition on Instagram, stating: “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would ever happen to me.”

“I know my grandparents would be really proud, they wouldn’t understand what was going on, or what it means but they would be proud none the less. I just know it!” the 35-year-old wrote.

“Little old rice farmers family in the middle of nowhere with a granddaughter with an MBE! Who would have thought it?! I wish they were alive to enjoy this moment with us!”

Hussain added that the past few years have been “exhilarating and exciting”, and that she has done “weird, wonderful and scary things” as her career has gone from strength to strength.

“Long may it continue,” she said. “Thanks to all the people who have supported me and believed in me and just made it all just a little bit easier. For all the love. For believing in me. Thank you!”

Several of Hussain’s Instagram followers congratulated her on her accolade.

“Amazing news you absolute legend!” fellow 2015 Bake Off contestant Mat Riley commented.

“You make us brown girls, yellow girls, left out girls, anxious girls, unsure girls, etc girls, beyond proud,” another Instagram user wrote.

Fashion expert Gok Wan has also been awarded MBE for “services to fashion and social awareness”.

The How To Look Good Naked presenter said on Instagram that he felt “happy, excited and humbled” to be “awarded with the highest of accolades”.

“I have too many personal thank yous for a single post so here’s a big group THANK YOU to everyone who has ever helped, guided or trusted me,” Wan stated.

“I am overjoyed and I hope that everyone gets to feel as happy as I feel right now.”

To read more about those featured on the new year honours list, click here.

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