Muslim reality TV stars: where are they now?
Whether starring in Bake Off or Love Island, UK Muslims have become some of the nation’s favourite overnight celebrities. Find out what they’re up to now
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Ever wondered what happened to your favourite Muslim reality TV star? For some, shows such as The X Factor and The Apprentice were a springboard for a career in front of the camera. Others, meanwhile, have pursued opportunities off-screen. From 2015 Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain to Love Island’s Nas Majeed, we find out what contestants have been up to since their on-screen debuts.
Saira Khan, The Apprentice
Saira Khan first appeared on-screen as a contestant on The Apprentice in 2005, ending the show as runner-up. She has since become a well-known TV personality, appearing in Celebrity Big Brother, The Chase and Dancing on Ice.
The Derbyshire-born star was also a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, and has presented a travel documentary for the BBC, visiting Pakistan. Beyond reality TV, she has written a self-help book, delivered keynote speeches, and founded an organic skincare brand.
Mehreen Baig, Muslims Like Us
Mehreen Baig’s television career kicked off on the BBC Two show Muslims Like Us. She has since presented several documentaries, covering topics related to British Asian communities and Muslim female identity.
Reality TV aside, the former teacher published her first book, Hidden Lessons: Growing Up on the Frontline of Teaching, in 2021, before launching Glow Up Your Grades, a digital movement seeking to revolutionise education, in 2023. The latter was recently adapted for print and published by HarperCollins as a Revision Guide.
Musharaf Iqbal Asghar, Educating Yorkshire
“Proud stammerer” Musharaf Iqbal Asghar, AKA Mushy, made his television debut aged just 15 when he appeared on Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire. His was a story of resilience that saw him training tirelessly with teacher Mr Burton to overcome his stutter and eventually deliver a speech at his year 11 end-of-year assembly, later watched by millions.
Since then, Asghar has appeared on the BBC, ITV and Celebrity First Dates. Having graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2021, he is now a motivational speaker, delivering talks on a variety of topics related to education and business.
Bilal Hassam, Being Bilal
Bilal Hassam left a successful career in medicine for one in television in 2015. “I was a very reluctant reality TV personality,” he says, adding that the motivation for his British Muslim TV show, Being Bilal, was to show what real British Muslim lives look like. “I wanted to break the rose-tinted facade, as this doesn’t speak to the complexities, nuances and diversities of Muslim lived experiences.”
The unscripted series seeks to bridge the gaps between British and Muslim identities. Since its launch, Hassam has founded consultancy firm The Muslim Agency and also produced Islamic art via his brand Muslimplicity. His advice to aspiring Muslim TV stars is to be wary of fame and money, and instead “interrogate and elevate your intentions towards serving community, society and God”.
Nadiya Hussain, The Great British Bake Off
It all began for Nadiya Hussain in 2015. The Luton-born mother of three touched the audience’s hearts during the sixth series of BBC One’s The Great British Bake Off. Impressing the judges with her creativity and resourcefulness, she eventually won the competition.
Hussain has since published numerous cookery books, presented food shows and partnered with Schwartz to release a customised product range of recipe kits and seasonings. In 2016, she was invited to bake a cake for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.
Nas Majeed, Love Island
Nas Majeed made his television debut in 2020, entering the Love Island villa on the series’ first-ever winter spin-off. Although he and co-contestant Eva Zapico were dumped on day 30, the pair continued dating for four years.
South Londoner Majeed is now a regular presenter for LADBible. He has his own sports-related Instagram account, and has featured as a guest on the podcasts Brown Girls Do It Too and the Guardian’s Pop Culture with Chanté Joseph.
Danny Lambo, The X Factor
Recent Muslim convert Danny Lambo rose to stardom following his appearance on the 14th series of The X Factor in 2017. Born Danny Karne, Lambo has since appeared on Four in a Bed, How’d You Get So Rich and Britain’s Flashiest Families, among other shows. He has a thriving property empire and an estimated net worth of more than £50m. In February, while on a business trip in Saudi Arabia, he experienced a “surprise journey to truth”, returning to the UK as a “newly born Muslim”.
“There’s obviously certain things I was doing back then, which I can’t do now if I were to honour my faith,” says Lambo. To others hoping to break into the entertainment industry, he says: “Just be yourself. Everyone is different. Some people wear their religion on their sleeve; for others, it’s more of a private affair.”
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