Great British Bake Off contestant Flora is flummoxed by AGA aggro

GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF contestant Flora Shedden has dismissed comments about her love of posh AGA cookers as half baked.

There was criticism of the Perthshire teenager after she mentioned having trouble with the programme’s oven as she was used to having an AGA at home.

But the 19-year-old has dismissed the AGA comments as a load of hot air as many rural Scots households rely on the heater cum cookers.

“I couldn’t believe the coverage our poor old oven got,” Flora told the Sunday Post. “Where I live the majority of people have AGAs as a means of heating, not just cooking.

“They are a very sensible option during Scottish winters. As we have no heating in the house it’s a lifesaver.

“Ours is 50 years old and was salvaged from a house fire. I did find it baffling that it made headlines.”

AGA’s brand ambassador Laura James has even weighed into the row, calling it “all rather silly”.

“I think Flora is a victim of tall poppy syndrome,” said Ms James.

Indeed, one of the early show favourites, Flora last night insisted her entire family is down-to-earth and hard-working.

“I’m fortunate to have a very close relationship with both my sisters, Hebe and Willow,” said Flora.

“I think Hebe responded to people’s ridiculous assumptions because they were just that, ridiculous.

“We have always had weekend jobs, we all went to state schools and we are both funding our way through university.

“The well-to-do baker line was hysterical.

“I spend a large amount of my time waitressing and nannying.”

Last week’s episode saw the shock departure of Marie, the opening week’s star baker and a hot tip to win the series.

And Flora admits she missed her Scots baking buddy.

“Marie was a wonderful companion and we had a lot of fun on the flights home once all the stress of the weekend was over.

“We got late night flights and would both be exhausted, but we always found something to giggle about.

“She had the most amazing stories.

“I was very sad to get on the plane on my own after she left.”

With up to 10 million tuning into the BBC’s baking phenomenon, Flora admits she’s had to get used to being stopped for fashion as well as baking tips.

“I try to add a bit of Scottish flair,” she adds. “My honey in this week’s showstopper came from a producer two miles down the road in Dunkeld.

“And nothing beats Perthshire strawberries!”