Nadiya Hussain has posted a passionate response defending herself against anti-Muslim comments on Twitter.

The 33-year-old television star said she felt like a 'punching bag' and was constantly having to 'take one for the team' after being attacked on the social media site.

In a string of emotive tweets, the British-born mother-of-three revealed her frustration at being told to 'go back' to 'Muslim countries', saying: 'I’m getting fed up of being told to go home! For the millionth time, I AM HOME!'

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'For the millionth time, I am home': Nadiya Hussain, 33, has hit back at Twitter trolls after she was told to 'go back' to 'your countries' - despite the fact the star was born in London

She also implored her 170,000 followers to realise that racism still exists, saying 'The world hasn't changed that much'.

The latest abuse began after a curious fan had asked Nadiya how she cut her hair and protected her modesty once her hijab was removed.

Nadiya wrote: 'I go to my hairdressers and she makes sure the mail man stays well away from the front door.

'Also she has a curtain she draws just in case. I am very lucky to have lovely very respectful and understanding hairdresser.'

The star was widely applauded for being frank but was also targeted by trolls who she said left her feeling like a 'punching bag'.

When one fan told her she shouldn't have to tolerate abuse online, she wrote: 'No I don’t! But I’m Muslim, brown, working-class and a woman! I may as well have punching bag written on my torso. But I’m here, despite being told constantly I don’t belong. I’m here to take one for the team.'

In a late night spontaneous Q&A on Twitter, Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain addressed curious questions from fans about how she protects her modesty when getting her hair cut

The 33-year-old mother-of-three told her 169,000 followers that she has a 'very understanding' hairdresser who will 'draw the curtains' and make sure the 'mailman stays away'

Clearly frustrated, Nadiya followed up with another tweet after being told her Islamic faith was incompatible with life in the UK.

She wrote: 'Have you not realised by now, that saying 'go home' is just not working any more. Go home to where? I am home? If you want to spew hatred at least come up with something original. I’m getting fed up of being told to go home! For the millionth time, I AM HOME!'

Hundreds tweeted their support of Nadiya, with many denouncing 'bigotry'.

@Frogglin wrote: 'Personally I object to the spread of bigotry and hatefulness, which I feel is incompatible with my culture (Australian) and anywhere else. If I could make you a cuppa and a biscuit I would. You stay strong, you incredible, fabulous woman.'

In the candid social media session, Nadiya also revealed that she has discussed whether she would still wear the hijab if she lost her hair. Her husband Abdal also chimed in, saying he thought it would be down to individual preference

Another, @beccalacey123 added: 'I honestly don’t know how you remain so gracious in these situations. The tweets aren’t even aimed at me and they infuriate me beyond words, and the tweets that you received last night were heartbreaking to read. Not understanding the lack of humanity tbh.'

The star had previously tweeted that racism still existed, in more subtle ways that people imagine.

She wrote: 'Just because they don’t see it or experience it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Racism and prejudice happens in the most subtle articulated ways in the unlikeliest of places. It’s there. The world hasn’t changed that much. Racism just hides behind a guise.'

The follower who had asked the original question about Nadiya's hair, @imeldatruesdale, had deleted her tweet for fear of offending the star but Nadiya offered an open answer and reassured her that she would prefer to be open.

'Oh you shouldn’t have deleted it. Thank you for asking me the question. There’s much more love on here than hate. Let the angry folk do their spluttering. Please don’t apologise. X'

The discussion sparked another ask, as @KDBingo queried whether the hijab was to cover Nadiya's scalp or her hair.

She wrote: 'Because you've been so lovely I feel I can ask... If you didn't have hair (alopecia/cancer etc) would you still need to cover your head? Is it specifically the hair or is it more than that?'

Again, the star responded honestly, saying: 'We talk about this all the time and I really don’t know @AbdalAbuMDM are always discussing this and we never seem to get anywhere.'

Pride: Nadiya told her 169,000 followers that she wasn't 'afraid' to be proud of her faith

Nadiya's husband Abdal also joined the debate, saying: 'I think it's more than covering the hair, it's an act of worship. It's an interesting question and like most things it will come down to the individual's preference.'

Nadiya added that she donated some of her hair to cancer charities 'every few years' when it had grown long enough.