apprentice finalists business plans

BBC The Apprentice finalists, business plans and why they deserve to win

Rochelle Anthony and Marnie Swindells go head to head for Lord Sugar's investment in the final of this year's Apprentice on BBC1

• 10:50, 23 MAR 2023

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Lord Alan Sugar is set to decide who will become his new business partner and recipient of £250,000 in the series finale of The Apprentice after a 18 candidates were whittled down to just two, Rochelle Anthony and Marnie Swindells.

In final episode of The Apprentice 2023, which airs at 9pm on Thursday, March 23, viewers will watch in as this year's fired candidates return to help the finalists launch their companies. This will be in front of Lord Sugar and his sidekicks Karren Brady and Timothy Campbell, a former winner of the BBC show himself.

Harpreet Kaur won last year's show with her plan to launch dessert parlours and sell her Oh So Yum! sweet treats online and in stores such as Selfridges.

Read more: BBC The Apprentice make decision over whether axed Reece Donnelly can appear in final

Rochelle Anthony

Rochelle is a salon owner from Bedfordshire and previously said: "I am a tenacious, fierce, and determined businesswoman. I'm always being compared to the Kim Kardashian of the business world because I'm doing business with a hint of glam."

The 35-year-old, who owns The Dollshouse Salon in Milton Keynes, and plans to open more if given Lord Sugar's investment. On potentially earning the quarter of a million reward, Rochelle said: "I deserve Lord Sugar's investment because I know the hair industry like the back of my hand and Lord Sugar knows business. Together, we would be an absolute force to be reckoned with."

Marnie Swindells

Fellow finalist, Marnie, is a court advocate and boxer from London, who says her USP is her: "Imagination and creativity. I can see opportunity everywhere I look and being able to have that vision is something I think separates me from other people."

The 28-year-old plans on opening a boxing gym in central London if given Lord Sugar's investment and says she deserves it because: "I have given my blood, sweat and tears to my business."

"I think that taking the experience I have in the boxing industry and all the experience that he has in the business industry, together we would be a winning combination. I have fought tooth and nail to get to where I am today with my business."

• The Apprentice
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The Apprentice 2024: meet the final five candidates hoping to become Lord Alan Sugar's business partner

The winning candidate will become Lord Alan Sugar’s next business partner

The Apprentice has revealed the final five candidates, it’s been a long 10 weeks, with 18 hopefuls dwindled down to just five who will take part in the toughest challenge next - the interview round.

Viewers watched last night (April 4) as the candidates were tasked with creating and branding a new vegan alternative to cheese before pitching to industry experts, with one team’s curry creation causing havoc.

Two candidates were shown the door by Lord Alan Sugar, with just five left to compete for the grand prize of becoming his next business partner. Here’s everything you need to know about The Apprentice 2024 final five.

Who are The Apprentice 2024 final five?

Flo Edwards

Recruitment consultant, London

Flo has shared that she has "a great business", with "equality, diversity and inclusion" at its core. Speaking about what it feels like to land a spot in the final five, Edwards said: “It feels a little bit unreal. Surreal is probably the right word for it. I watched The Apprentice growing up, and to be in the final five is amazing. I’m just really delighted.”

Dr Paul Midha

Dental group owner, Leeds

Paul started his dental practice using all his resources, after 15 months its valuation "soared to an astounding £900,000". Speaking about what it was like to have made it to the final Midha said: “I’m absolutely elated. It was probably one of the best feelings I've ever had in my life. Sometimes you look back in life, and you remember certain moments as being the pinnacle of an achievement that you made and that was one of them for sure.”

Phil Turner

Pie company owner, Bognor Regis

After buying his parents' pie bakery which dates back to the 1930s, Phil was able to build it into a "seven-figure profitable business". Speaking about making it to the final stages of the competition Turner said: “It feels really rewarding to make the final five and when I came into the process, my goal was to try and make it to the final five. I think after the journey I’ve had and so many losses, I feel as if I’ve probably had the toughest route to the final five that maybe any candidate has ever had. I feel really proud of myself.”

Rachel Woolford

Boutique fitness studio owner, Leeds

Rachel opened up her fitness studio during the Covid pandemic, yet still was able to develop a successful business. Speaking about making it to the final five she said: “It feels quite unbelievable after the past 10 weeks. It’s been a really tough process and at times I’ve really doubted if I can make it this far. I’m really excited to be at the interviews stage and talk about my business and what I know best.”

Music and wellness entrepreneur, London

Tre was a garage star in the early noughties, with his band, Architechs achieving success with their hit, "Body Groove". He gave up being a DJ after developing "severe tinnitus", and has gone to develop a personal training and wellbeing business brand.

Speaking about making it to the final five he said: “It feels amazing. Part of me thought it would be a walk in the park with my age, experience and arsenal of creativity at my disposal. But it was far from easy as this year the field was strong. Deep down I always knew I would make the final five though, I am far too competitive and determined not to, but I know the real challenge starts now. I feel grateful to have made it through with this talented group of people.”

Who will carry out The Apprentice interviews?

The final five have made it through to the interviews round, with their CV and business plans being picked apart by some of Lord Sugar’s most trusted advisors. The business experts taking the interviews will be:

• Claude Littner
• Mike Soutar
• Linda Plant
• Claudine Collins

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When is The Apprentice next on TV?

The next episode of The Apprentice will air on  BBC  One on Thursday, April 11, at 9pm, the penultimate episode of the series, there will be some familiar faces as the final five candidates go head-to-head with Lord Sugar’s most trusted advisors for one-to-one interviews. 

Sarah McCann is a Trends Writer for NationalWorld who specialises in stories around  TV , Film and Health. If you liked this article you can follow Sarah on X (Twitter)  here . You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

BBC The Apprentice: Who are the 2024 finalists?

It all comes down to one final test

• 20:00, 11 APR 2024

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The Apprentice has its final five candidates - and they are set to be interrogated by some of Lord Alan Sugar’s closest advisers at the final hurdle.

After ten weeks of difficult challenges, the BBC programme reaches its penultimate week. Some of Lord Sugar's most trusted aides will help ensure he chooses the best candidate to claim the winner's position.

The infamous episode will see them go head to head with business experts Claude Littner, Mike Soutar, Linda Plant and Claudine Collins. Their business plans will be interrogated, CVs picked apart and white lies exposed as the candidates battle it out to make the final in the hope of securing Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

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Flo Edwards:

The recruitment consultant from London has said it feels "surreal" to be in the final showdown. She said: "When I first entered into the process and met the other candidates, I had severe imposter syndrome - dentists, pharmacists, chart-topping music producers and exceptionally credible business owners.

"At the time, I didn’t have my business launched. I knew I had to prove myself in other ways and so I piled immense pressure onto myself to deliver what I knew I would be my strongest skills, the corporate stuff! And so, one of my biggest takeaways has been learning the importance of believing and backing yourself!"

Paul Midha:

The dental group owner from Leeds said that he was "absolutely elated" to make the final five. He said: "I just couldn't stop smiling and I don’t think I stopped smiling for the next few days."

The trained dentist said the biggest thing he's learnt about himself through the process is that he thrives in "high pressure situations". He said: "When the pressure is on, that’s when I turn up.

"In those moments when you’re having to do things under so much pressure and you are able to deliver results, it’s a fantastic feeling."

Phil Turner:

The pie master from Bognor Regis found it "really rewarding to make the final five". He said: "The main thing I learned about myself is how tough I am mentally.

"I saw other candidates’ reactions and responses to losing tasks, being in the café, being in the final boardroom and I saw it really knocked their confidence. Having lost nine tasks on the trot, I really came out of the process knowing that I am mentally tough, and I think Lord Sugar could see that regardless of how many times I lost.

"I was bouncing back with the same enthusiasm, and I was never hiding. I learnt exactly how much adversity I could actually face and that’s something I am extremely proud of."

Rachel Woolford:

The boutique fitness studio owner from Leeds said that getting to the end of the process has been "quite unbelievable". Of the process, she said: "I learnt I’m a lot tougher than I initially thought and more capable.

"I’ve always had a little bit of imposter syndrome and going into The Apprentice I didn’t have a choice but to show up and do my best. It made me realise that my capabilities are a lot higher than I believed they were.

"It took me out of my comfort zone because I’m really close with my family and I’m in my business every day, so taking myself away from those two big things was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, but it showed me what I’m capable of."

The music and wellness entrepreneur form London described making the final as "amazing". He said that he learnt "just how resilient [he] actually [is]" after securing a spot in the boardroom.

He said: "I have endured a lot of challenges in my life, but I have learned I am far more resilient than even I imagined. My health challenges, lack of sleep and leaving my familial responsibilities at home was a huge amount to process before even getting to the high-intensity environment, dealing with people from various backgrounds, ages and abilities.

"All the while being determined to win each time - no excuses and give 100% to each and every task. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life and I learned I was able to raise my game every time. I am immensely proud of myself for being incredibly resilient."

The Apprentice airs on BBC One on Thursday, April 11, at 9pm. Catch up is available on BBC iPlayer.

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The Apprentice finalists REVEALED: Phil Turner and Rachel Woolford survive the gruelling interviews as they prepare to go head to head in the battle to become Lord Sugar's business partner

• READ MORE:  Where are The Apprentice winners now? 

By Kirsten Murray For Mailonline

Published: 17:13 EDT, 11 April 2024 | Updated: 20:52 EDT, 11 April 2024

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Phil Turner and Rachel Woolford have made it through to the final of The Apprentice after a nail-biting semi-final. 

The Bognor Regis Pie company owner and fitness entrepreneur triumphed over Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha for the gruelling week of intense interviews, as they proved themselves strong enough to handle the heat. 

After eleven challenging weeks , the pair will go head to head in next week's final as they battle to become Lord Sugar's new business partner and win his £250,000 investment.

On Thursday some familiar faces returned as the final five candidates met with Lord Sugar 's most trusted advisors as business plans were interrogated, CVs picked apart and white lies exposed as the candidates battled it out to make the final. 

And it was Tre, Flo and Paul who sadly fell at the last hurdle, with their business plans being turned down by Lord Sugar. 

Phil Turner (pictured) and Rachel Woolford have made it through to the final of The Apprentice after a nail-biting semi-final

The Bognor Regis Pie company owner and fitness entrepreneur triumphed over Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha in the gruelling week of intense interviews (Rachel pictured)

After eleven challenging weeks, the pair will go head to head in next week's final as they battle to become Lord Sugar's new business partner and win his £250,000 investment

Claude branded Tre's business plan 'woefully inadequate' while Linda highlighted his lack of scientific evidence to back up his 'testosterone shots.'

Mike then presented Tre with a sample of his own shot, based off the ingredients listed and forced him to taste it for the first time. 

Phil was accused of deceiving customers by Mike after he said his pie company was established in 1933, despite first being opened in 2012. 

Linda then questioned his accounts and said he would have to put his prices up to keep making a profit.  

Rachel's gym plan was slammed by Claude who said she was 'missing proper numbers' after she was initially praised by Claudine, with Mike then savagely purchasing the domain names for her gyms before she did. 

Both Claude and Linda said Paul had pitched the wrong business in choosing a scrub company, branding it a 'fairytale.'

Finally, Flo's recruitment company was found to share a name with an existing company in Norwich and Claudine questioned her staffing numbers.

In the most dramatic boardroom to date, Lord Sugar told music and wellness entrepreneur Tre: 'Tre, I've always said to people in this process that you will learn as you go along, and that includes me. And I have learnt that you are a good bloke.'

On Thursday some familiar faces returned as the final five candidates met with Lord Sugar's most trusted advisors as business plans were interrogated as they battled it out

However, his personality wasn't enough for the business tycoon as he added: 'Your business is not up my alley mate, and so it is with sincere regret, You're Fired!'

Recruitment consultant Flo was next to go, as Lord Sugar explained: 'Flo, I think you've underestimated the difficulty it's going to be in starting from scratch. 

'It is going to be hard, and I'm leaning towards Flo saying I'm going to have to let you go. Sorry about that. And I do wish you very, very well. But Flo, You're Fired.'

Finally Dental Group owner Paul also missed out on the chance to be Lord Sugar 's business partner, as he became the final candidate to face the firing line. 

'Paul, I wish you well. But unfortunately, because you are not willing to share the whole business with me, I'm afraid to say with great respect, You're Fired', concluded Lord Sugar. 

Claude branded Tre's business plan 'woefully inadequate' while Linda highlighted his lack of scientific evidence to back up his 'testosterone shots'

Phil was accused of deceiving customers by Mike after he said his pie company was established in 1933, despite first being opened in 2012

Rachel's gym plan was slammed by Claude who said she was 'missing proper numbers' with Mike then savagely purchasing the domain names for her gyms before she did 

Both Claude and Linda said Paul (pictured) had pitched the wrong business in choosing a scrub company, branding it a 'fairytale'

Finally, Flo's recruitment company was found to share a name with an existing company in Norwich and Claudine questioned her staffing numbers

As Phil and Rachel celebrated their achievement after surviving the hardest day in the process so far, Phil said: 'I feel really proud of myself to have made it to the final'

Meanwhile Rachel added: 'I can't quite believe that I've made it to this point. This has been such a competitive series with incredible candidates that I'm in absolute awe of'

READ MORE: Where are The Apprentice winners now? 

As Phil and Rachel celebrated their achievement after surviving the hardest day in the process so far, Phil  said:  'I feel really proud of myself to have made it to the final. 

'It's not been the easiest journey but I've held my head high, kept going each week and now I'm ready to give it one more shot to show that Lord Sugar was right to see something in me, and that I can be his next business partner.'

Meanwhile Rachel added: 'I can't quite believe that I've made it to this point. This has been such a competitive series with incredible candidates that I'm in absolute awe of. 

'To make it to the final is a dream and I'm just so excited now to showcase my business that I've poured my heart and soul into.'

The Apprentice final episode will air on Thursday 18th April on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 

Tre Lowe soared throughout the series as his creativity was continually applauded, but fell at the final hurdle, as Lord Sugar told him: 'Your business is not up my alley mate'

Share or comment on this article: The Apprentice finalists REVEALED: Phil Turner and Rachel Woolford survive the gruelling interviews as they prepare to go head to head in the battle to become Lord Sugar's business partner

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BBC The Apprentice viewers spot same big flaw in finalists' business plans

Both candidates have one vital ingredient missing – even as they pitch for £250,000

• 08:20, 24 MAR 2023

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People watching The Apprentice final were amazed by one major shortcoming in the contestants' business plans. Marnie Swindells and Rochelle Anthony were outlining their business ambitions to Lord Sugar in a big to secure his £250,000 investment.

In Thursday night's (March 23) concluding instalment of the BBC show, the two finalists were helped by a number of candidates who had been fired earlier in the series. They retured to help Marnie and Rochelle bring their business visions to life.

But as Marnie worked on her new boxing gym and Rochelle on her hair salon, viewers were left confused. They were seen brainstorming names on the hit BBC show.

Read more: Lord Alan Sugar's The Apprentice announcement over future of the hit BBC show ahead of finale

On Twitter, Alan Meikle asked: "If you'd written a business plan already would you not know your brand name instead of faffing about last minute?" The Bad Beard Dude agred. "You'd think if you're in a competition to get money to set up your business for the last twelve weeks you'd know the name of your business and it's logo etc."

Clive agreed: "How can you have a business plan but no idea of a business name?" Millie added: "You think they’d have thought about the name/brand/USP before now??!! They‘ve had weeks…."

Spoiler alert – if you don't want to know who won, stop reading now

Lord Sugar hired boxing gym owner Marnie as his latest business partner following the all-female finale. Swindells is a 28-year-old court advocate and gold medal-winning boxer from London.

After learning of her win, Swindells, who owns community-focused boxing gym BRONX, said: “What an incredible opportunity and moment for a girl like me to get to a place like this and have become Lord Sugar’s business partner. It feels strange to even say that, but I’m not going to stop saying it because I am so happy.”

The final of the 17th series of the BBC reality show saw Swindells and 35-year-old Bedfordshire salon owner Anthony take on the most important business pitch of their careers so far and attempt to convince Lord Sugar and industry experts that they were worth the investment. During the final boardroom, Lord Sugar’s aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell, shared their thoughts on the two finalists.

Of Swindells, Baroness Brady said: “Marnie, she has never run a business before, and she’s chosen a business that’s very competitive – can she stand out in this very competitive market?” Campbell advocated for the boxing gym owner, adding: “That being said, for an ambassador for a boxing facility, there is no-one better I would think than Marnie and what she stands for.”

After the two finalists presented their final pitches to Lord Sugar, the business magnate came to his decision. He said: “Marnie, it is such a crowded and competitive market. I’m thinking, ‘Is this £250,000 down the drain?’

“Rochelle, what worries me about you is why would your second and third branch be popular and make me and you money? It’s a tough one, but Marnie, you’re asking me to invest in something which is completely alien to me to be honest and you’ve never run a business before.

“Rochelle, it’s opening the second one and it really is a difficult decision as to what industry I should be in. Two very excellent candidates. But I’ve always been known to be a gambler, I’ve always been known to try new horizons so I’m going to try a new horizon…

“Marnie, you are going to be my business partner.”

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BBC The Apprentice: Who are the 2023 finalists?

It's an all-women final and each contestant wants to be the one to walk away with Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment

• 22:00, 16 MAR 2023
• Updated 22:30, 16 MAR 2023

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The Apprentice 2023 is on its final stretch and just two contestants remain. After a nail-biting semi-final, Rochelle and Marnie were chosen to be this year's finalists and will compete against each other next week in the grand final, for the prize of a £250,000 business investment from Lord Alan Sugar.

The final episode of this year's series follows on from the the intense and dreaded interview stage of the series, in which Claude Littner returned, much to the delight of Apprentice viewers, and interrogated the semi-finalists on their business plans and proposals. And sadly, in the latest episode, which aired on Thursday, March 16, it was the end of the road for Victoria, Dani and Megan.

Series 17 of the popular BBC One show saw 18 new candidates join the programme with the hope of winning Lord Sugar's approval and £250,000 investment in their business. Now, two remain: Marnie Swindells and Rochelle Anthony.

Read more: Love Island's Kai Fagan makes relationship announcement after winning show with Sanam Harrinanan

In final episode of The Apprentice 2023, which airs at 9pm on Thursday, March 23, viewers will watch in anticipation as this year's fired candidates return to help the finalists launch their innovative companies and, as it has done in previous years, the grand final is likely to include a whole host of daunting tasks including creating branding, a billboard campaign and shooting an advert - but who's idea will impress Lord Sugar and whose will flop?

Who are The Apprentice 2023 finalists?

Marnie Swindells

London-born court advocate Marnie, 28, is a gold-medal winning boxer who snowballed her passion into an innovative business idea which she hopes will get Lord Sugar's investment. She plans on opening a boxing gym near the Bank of England in London - if successful in winning the show.

Rochelle Anthony

Rochelle is the owner of a hair salon and also runs a 'hair academy' in her home county of Bedfordshire. The 35-year-old hopes, with Lord Sugar's investment, to expand her business and open up more locations in London and Manchester.

Who was fired in the interview round?

After an intense interrogation from fan-favourites Claude Littner, Karren Brady and other business experts, it was time to say farewell to three entrepreneurs who didn't quite impress Lord Sugar and his team enough. Firstly, it was the end of the road for Victoria, who wanted to use Lord Sugar's investment to expand her online sweet shop into physical kiosks in shopping centres across the UK, and then it was time to say goodbye to Dani, who wanted to expand her hair extension business.

At the end of the semi-final, Lord Sugar fired Megan who wanted to upscale her sweet shop business The Candy Shop into a “massive national brand”.

Who has left The Apprentice 2023 so far?

• Avi Sharma - city banker from London
• Bradley Johnson - director of a construction company from north Yorkshire
• Denisha Kaur Bharj -financial controller from Leicestershire
• Emma Browne - senior account executive from County Kildare
• Gregory Ebbs - local councillor from Shropshire
• Joseph Phillips - safari guide in South Africa from Worcestershire
• Kevin D'Arcy - accountant from Dublin
• Mark Moseley - pest control company owner and former soldier from London
• Reece Donnelly - owner of a theatre school in Glasgow
• Shannon Martin - bridal boutique owner from west Yorkshire
• Shazia Hussain - technology recruiter from London
• Simba Rwambiwa - senior sales representative from Birmingham
• Sohail Chowdhary - martial arts instructor and school owner from Southampton

The final of The Apprentice will air on Thursday, March 23 on BBC One at 9pm.

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I won The Apprentice – stars are set up to look stupid in interviews due to strict rules including FAKE business plans

• Josh Saunders , Features Writer
• Published : 7:57, 11 Apr 2024
• Updated : 9:27, 11 Apr 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

THE interview stage of The Apprentice is renowned for being one of the toughest parts of the show.

In previous years, candidates have bumbled over their words, broken down in tears and even curled up in a ball after receiving brutal grillings from Lord Alan Sugar ’s advisors.

During the process, the Apprentice finalists get their business plans picked apart by the aides and are called out over bold statements made on their show application forms.

Ahead of this year’s hopefuls - Flo Edwards , Dr Paul Midha , Phil Turner , Rachel Woolford and Tre Lowe - facing this intense stage, 2015 Apprentice winner Joseph Valente lifts the lid on what it's really like.

Joseph , founder of Trade Mastermind , tells The Sun: “It’s the toughest challenge by far.

"I have never been in an interview process that's anywhere near as intense as that and I've hired nearly a thousand people in the last 12 years. 

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I worked 3 jobs on £3 an hour and scrubbed hotel toilets… now I run a £15m empire

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“No one conducts interviews to that level and to that intensity. So it's not like the real world, it's a hundred times harder.

“They really, really do put the pressure on and they go in hard.

"They're doing so much background research on you, most companies wouldn't go into that level of detail in the real world.

“But if you can prepare yourself for and survive a scenario like that, everything else is a walk in the park as far as I'm concerned.”

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Fake business plans.

Joseph recalls The Apprentice house being “like a ghost town” the night before the interviews as everyone feverishly prepared for the next day’s grilling. 

“Everybody kind of keeps themselves to themselves and when you discuss business ideas with some of them, it’s clear they aren’t going to take,” he says. 

During that time, he says they are given just 30 minutes to look over their business plans before the document is taken away again by producers. 

“It’s not much time to familiarise yourself with what you have written and go over the numbers so they are in your head,” he says. 

“They're sending you up there without the actual plan in front of you, you are having to go by memory, which makes it even harder and is quite savage.

“The business plans that you are seen holding at the beginning of the episode aren’t your business plans, they are prop business plans, which I think is quite funny.”

He explains that the lack of time to re-read the business proposal often leads candidates to trip up as they may not remember what they have written.

'Silent for hours'

Joseph says he and the other finalists - Vana Koutsomitis, Richard Woods and Gary Poulton - filmed the episode at The Leadenhall Building - the 225-metre skyscraper known as ‘The Cheesegrater’.

It was recorded on a Sunday morning, which made “London feel like a ghost town” and added to the pressure, during a 12-hour shoot. 

“Most of the floors were empty and we had a floor to ourselves,” he says. “You are surrounded by empty space and 360-degree panoramic views of London.

“Then in the middle of the floor, they create this makeshift office, which means you have to walk all the way over there. It definitely makes it more stressful.” 

What intensified the “immense pressure” they were already under was that the candidates were not allowed to talk for several hours.

They have been trained to come at you and go hard. They are looking to crush you. They want to destroy you and your reputation Joseph Valente

Joseph recalls: “You get there for around 7am and then they make you sit in silence while you wait for your interviews.

“That just builds up the anticipation all the more because you don’t know when you’re going to be called in. It’s an intimidating process. 

“Each interview lasts between 32 minutes and an hour and the day lasts for around 12 hours. So you are sitting silently for two to three hours between each interview.

“They are very good at making you sit in silence for hours on the show, they used to do it before the boardroom too.

“You weren’t allowed to talk to each other, which was absolutely brutal, to build up the suspense. If you try to talk they know because you have microphones on.

“If you’re caught they say that you are trying to cheat, so you have to be very, very careful and always have to stick to the rules.” 

'Toughest stage'

Joseph describes the interviews as “the toughest part of the show” because of the due diligence carried out by the BBC show.

He says: “These guys look under everything, they will see if you've got the copyright, they'll read your reviews, test your product, check the statements you made on the website."

During Joseph’s interview with Mike Soutar, he was quizzed about the life of Lord Sugar after saying it was the Amstrad founder’s autobiography that inspired him to launch his business. 

People were saying, ‘That was the worst experience I ever had. I've been destroyed. I'm going to look like such a fool when this goes out' Joseph

“They were trying to find out if I had actually read Lord Sugar’s autobiography or if I was full of s*** and was trying to kiss his backside,” Joseph says. 

Joseph, who managed to answer all the questions correctly, says there are a large number of people on set too, which also adds to the pressure.

He says: “What you don’t see in the interview stages is that behind all of the glass office walls, there are five to 10 big cameras, three or four producers and then all of these runners and staff.

“Everyone is watching you and they all know if you say something wrong then you are finished.” 

Common mistake

Joseph describes tense moments in the interviews as “survival or die” and says most candidates find that part of the process difficult.

“Everybody else found it extremely uncomfortable and had a really rough ride of it,” he tells us. 

“They were saying, ‘That was the worst experience I ever had. I've been destroyed. I'm going to look like such a fool when this goes out,’ but I didn't have those moments.”

Joseph believes one of the common pitfalls is candidates “exaggerating claims” in their business plans or lying on their applications. 

He adds: “I never lied and if I did something wrong, I owned it. When you own your weaknesses and mistakes people can't hold you to account. 

“It's only when a candidate keeps lying or trying to pretend what they said was legit when it wasn’t that they tend to trip themselves up." 

If people watching the show think the interviews are tough, it's nothing compared to what working with Lord Sugar is like - those guys are puppy dogs compared to him in a real-life scenario Joseph

'Make you look stupid'

Joseph believes the interviews are “testing your credibility” and says they “try to make you look stupid” at every turn. 

He explains: “They have been trained to come at you and go hard. They are looking to crush you. They want to destroy you and your reputation. 

“They're going in specifically to find any single way to make you look stupid, so you know, you have got to be switched on to make sure that you don't get caught out.

“But, if people watching the show think the interviews are tough, it's nothing compared to what working with Lord Sugar is like - those guys are puppy dogs compared to him in a real-life scenario. 

“Lord Sugar is way more intense than he is on the TV. It’s all a warm-up for working with him, because he's the real deal and the person you really need to be afraid of.” 

Joseph parted ways with Lord Sugar two years after winning The Apprentice and receiving a £250,000 investment into his plumbing business. 

Three years ago, he launched Trade Mastermind - a company that trains people within trades and construction businesses - that he claims is now worth eight figures and will become “a billion dollar empire”.

Joseph, who has a YouTube series called Unfinished Business, has no regrets about going on the show.

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He says: “The Apprentice allowed me to have a platform to springboard off and build an incredible career.”  

The Apprentice airs at 9pm on BBC One . You can watch Joseph Valente's YouTube series Unfinished Business here .

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