HER Cocoa Carousel did not quite pass muster on the Great British Bake Off, but despite going out at the semi-final stage 19-year-old student Flora Shedden has the spoils of victory in her sight.
Around 11 million people watched the Perthshire teenager's last appearance on what is fast becoming a television institution, and that exposure has helped her mint a lucrative publishing deal and begin her first cooker book - though at the immediate expense of her university career.
“I’ve just signed a leave of absence at St Andrews University and started writing a book,” she said. “It was difficult but I knew I didn't want to do anything half-hearted. I didn't want either my studies to slide or produce a book I wasn't happy with. So I've got to grab it with both hands.
“This is an exciting time and these opportunities are only there now. They won't come back in four years when I've finished my degree.”
As well as a publishing career Ms Shedden is being tipped for a role on TV, a medium which is always eager for new faces to present its ever-popular food programmes.
That said, the comparisons being made between her and a certain other female culinary icon with a thing for cakes and pastries are a little wide of the mark, she said.
“Hearing that I’ve been called the next Nigella Lawson makes me giggle.”
But there are two other TV stars she is prepared to set her cap at.
“I think I am a better cook than I am a baker and would love to do Masterchef. I have been a massive fan for as long as I remember and would love Gregg Wallace and John Torode to put my skills to the test.”
But until they come calling, she has deadlines to meet and a book to write. It's called Gatherings and is scheduled for publication in 2016.
“It’s got some bakes in it but is predominantly a cookbook,” she explained.“I’m the first Bake Off contestant to do a cookbook. It’s not aimed specifically at students but I hope it will inspire my generation to get into the kitchen and experiment with food.”
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