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TV star Ulrika Jonsson claims former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain showed her true colours during a brief encounter away from the cameras.

The 41-year-old chef and author has found herself in the headlines in recent weeks as she has spoken out about being dropped by the BBC after a decade on UK television screens.

Nadiya has suggested her religion as a Muslim may have contributed to the Beeb's decision to cut ties, having previously said she had "no idea" why she was quietly dropped by the corporation last year.

BBC sources insist her claim her religion was a major factor "couldn't be more wide of the mark". Insiders also insisted she has developed a reputation for being "hard to work with" while her recipes were described as "tired".

Now Ulrika Jonsson has waded into the debate. She has been on the UK media circuit for almost four decades, most notably as the presenter of Gladiators in the 1990s along with hosting the National Lottery draws.

Writing in the Sun, Ulrika, 58, revealed her own experience of meeting Nadiya, in a green room before the pair appeared on a daytime TV show, was less than positive.

She said: "Actions have consequences and as Nadiya moaned and pleaded for public sympathy over the loss of her show, claims emerged that it was far less about her being 'too Muslim' and more to do with the fact her recipes were a bit dull and there were even hints she was difficult to work with.

"No idea if any of that's true, but it fits with my brief encounter with her. I met her years ago in a green room ahead of some daytime TV show and was thrilled because my daughters and I had prayed for her to win GBBO in 2015.

"I was disappointed to find her quite dismissive with a seeming sense of entitlement about her."

Nadiya triumphed on Bake Off in the penultimate series before the show moved from the BBC to Channel 4. When she won the final it was the most watched TV show of 2015 and she has gone on to be the biggest star created by Bake Off.

She has presented shows including Nadiya's British Food Adventure, the Chronicles of Nadiya and Nadiya Bakes. She has also appeared on The One Show, Saturday Kitchen and Loose Women.

Alongside her television work, she has written a number of books, including her autobiography, cooking books and a novel.

But Ulrika had some words of warning for Nadiya and anyone else in the public eye, suggesting "nothing lasts forever".

She said: "Nadiya is a talented cook and I think she has appeal. But she cannot possibly expect her fame to last forever. Tastes change. There are too many reality TV stars to name whose flames burnt too bright to stay lit.

"Many good things come to an end and change is the only constant in life. Sadly for Nadiya, the world of TV owes her absolutely nothing. Just like with me. I don't sit at home with my pity pot wondering why I'm no longer being 'chosen'. Nadiya's moans are embarrassing."