View Full Version : The Apprentice 2009
The identities of the fifteen contestants taking part in this year's Apprentice have been revealed.
Eight females and seven males will compete for a job working with multi-millionaire Sir Alan Sugar in the business-based reality show. The series kicks off on March 25 on BBC One.
This year's hopefuls include a city stockbroker, a teacher, an award-winning restaurant owner and an ex-professional footballer.
Sugar's no-nonsense advisers Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford will return, while spinoff show The Apprentice: You're Fired! hosted by Adrian Chiles is also back on Wednesday nights.
The list of contestants in full:
Anita Shah - A 35-year-old business strategist from Birmingham. She is a cricket fanatic and law graduate, who wants to one day create a business "providing emotional, psychological and spiritual therapy". She describes herself as a "humanitarian with a Bridget Jones alter-ego".
Debra Barr - A 24-year-old senior sales consultant from Surrey. Awarded the 'Mouth Of The Year' prize at her office Christmas party, Debra admits to being "tenacious". She battled with illiteracy in her youth, but went on to get a English literature BA. Her business heroes are Bill Gates and Richard Branson.
Kate Walsh - A licensing development manager from Hampshire, Kate is an indie music fan with a passion for snowboarding, cooking and the gym. She admires Sex & The City's Samantha's approach to business. "My CV speaks for itself," says the 27-year-old BSc graduate.
Kimberly Davis - Born in the Bronx, Kimberly now works as a marketing consultant in London. Her first business was at the age of five when she sold lemonade from an iced-tea stand. The 33-year-old New Yorker has performed Mozart at Carnegie Hall and performed on stage on Disney Land and Disney World. "I bring honesty to the table. I don't lie, cheat or backstab," she says.
Lorraine Tighe - A 36-year-old national accounts manager, who is a mother-of-two. She left school at 16, but claims to have been the top sales person at every company she's worked for. She admires Victoria Beckham for being resourceful with "not much talent", and claims her career has been a battle "against the odds".
Mona Lewis - A 28-year-old senior financial manager, who was previously a Tanzanian beauty queen. She is a mother-of-one and considers herself a shrewd and honest worker. She wants to appear on The Apprentice to go outside of her comfort zone. "I knew I would be selected," she says.
Paula Jones - A 29-year-old human resources consultant from Walsall. She is a fashion conscious academic, who enjoys interior design. She admits to being a "scatter brain" and "shying away from conflict". A former four-star sergeant in the army cadets, she represented the army at county level in shooting.
Yasmina Siadatan - A restaurant owner in London, Yasmina has spent time in Hull, Los Angeles and Iran. She describes herself as "dominating yet adaptable" and cites Richard Branson as a business hero. The 27-year-old says she would have loved to have been the brains behind Microsoft.
Ben Clarke - A 22-year-old trainee stockbroker, Ben admits to being ruthless and money-obsessed. He has worked as a Gavin Henson lookalike and describes himself as "cocky". He is inspired by Hugh Hefner's Playboy brand and believes "making money is better than sex".
Howard Ebison - A 24-year-old retail business manager from Derby, Howard is a dancer, self-trained musician and area manager at ten pubs. He claims to be "family orientated" but "ambitious". He wants to one day set up his own consultancy specialising in customer service.
James McQuillan - A 32-year-old self-styled "schmoozer", who works as a senior commercial manager. A former child chess champion, doorman and trolley collector, he says that Al Pacino and J.K. Rowling are his inspirational figures. He admits to suffering from "foot in mouth syndrome" and says he would love to have been the brains behind the A-Team.
Majid Nagra - A 28 year-old business development manager from Coventry, Maj is a "reformed rebel". Expelled from school for wayward behaviour, he now works in youth centres and charities while running his own car hire service. He describes himself as "funny" and "talkative".
Noorul Choudhury - A science teacher from Rochdale, Noorul wants to become a property developer millionaire. He claims to be a straight-talking leader and says that he always puts work first. The 33-year-old believes business is a "dog eat dog game that you must play to win".
Phillip Taylor - A 29-year-old from Country Durham, who claims to be "confident and charming". He works as an estate agent and confesses to being a "control freak". He says, "Business is the new rock 'n' roll and I'm Elvis Presley."
Rocky Andrews - The youngest contestant at 21, Rocky runs a 15-store sandwich chain in the North of England. He was a footballer at Middlesbrough United, but was diagnosed with arthritis, bringing his career to an early halt. He believes business is about "hard work" and "learning from these mistakes".
SBBB - Next Clue - The clock has finished ticking for Carol.
The Prokofiev opening theme tune is back, Nick and Margaret are back and most importantly of all, Sir Alan Sugar is back on the hunt for a new Apprentice. 15 new contestants with delusions of business grandeur have been lined up to tackle the East London-born self-made millionaire in the boardroom. Do they know their profit from their turnover? And maybe more importantly, will they know what Kosher chicken is? We chatted to Sir Alan about what we can expect from the forthcoming fifth series.
Has the credit crunch altered how you set the tasks on this year's Apprentice?
"I think you'll find as we go through the series, you'll see some shows that are specifically tuned for difficult times. I don't want to spoil it too much for you, but for example, I guess you would accept the current economic situation means people are considering where they are going to go on holiday more. So there is a good opportunity to reinvent one of our old seaside towns, one of the ramshackle old places. One of our tasks is about that."
In the first episode you reveal that a contestant dropped out at the last minute. Do you know why?
"I personally don't know who he is. As I joke in the first episode, I've never met the bloke! From what I understand from the production team there's nothing sinister about it. It was just that he got himself into the hotel room on the last night and he finally realised that this was it. He knew that he was going to be away from his family and kids for 12 weeks and the reality hit home. That's what done him in. The thought of being away from the family."
Do you know from an early stage who will be in the final?
"You really don't. It's like when you start any job and enter a new office. Your immediate reaction is that you like certain people and dislike certain people, but its wrong to make those early opinions. I've learnt on The Apprentice and in life, you can't form an opinion about anyone at such an early stage. Throughout the course of the 12 weeks, and I'm sure Nick and Margaret would agree, we often change our minds and our opinions switch as we go along."
Are you concerned that contestants may want to be on the show just to get their faces on TV?
"It happens, doesn't it? They are sifted out by the production people from the thousands that apply. We can usually tell from a mile off who is here for the wrong reasons. But what can you do? All I can say is that when we start the process, the contestants have no intention of embarking on a media career. But as soon as their face appears on the TV screen, they quite like it. They go and hire themselves Jonathan Ross or Cheryl Cole's agent as if they are something special. Some of them end up with small roles in some programmes, but you know about that better than me."
This is the fifth series. Have people stopped making the same mistakes and what are the chances of a sixth series?
"You would have thought that with this being the fifth series, they would come in well armed knowing what not to do. But as you'll find out they never learn the lessons and they still get it wrong. It never ceases to amaze me, but you'll see in the first episode there is a classic error. I do say in the boardroom - but they don't show it for editorial reasons - 'You lot have got to be bloody dumb to not know what's gone in the past shows'. They must have been in Mongolia or some space station not to notice the same silly mistakes. Will there be a sixth series? That depends on the punters. Like any product, we can like it, the BBC can like it, journalists can like it, but at the end of the day, the customers are the ones who will decide."
One contestant on this year's show claims making money is better than sex. Do you agree?
"I don't know. It very much depends. You should have asked me the question thirty years ago. Now, definitely, making money is my main priority."
You criticised Jeremy Paxman in a recent interview. Would you get him on a celebrity edition of the show?
"I'm not sure, but I think he was approached for one of the celebrity editions. I think he bottled it. Don't hold me to that because I don't do the recruiting, but it would have been good, wouldn't it?"
What's the truth about the rumours that you may be running for Mayor of London?
"The story about me being Mayor of London came from some rag. They didn't understand that I couldn't be Mayor because of obvious conflicts of interest."
Will there ever be a full-length celebrity version of the show?
"The Americans have done that. I don't know how successful that was. I know Piers Morgan won that thanks to me coaching him, but I haven't any real heard talk on that. I would like to do a Junior Apprentice and we are currently in negotiations about doing it. That's something I'm more interested in, personally."
The Apprentice returns Wednesday, March 25 at 9pm on BBC One.
Sir Alan Sugar has revealed that one of this year's Apprentice contestants pulled out of the show at the last minute.
The eight women and seven men competing on the fifth series were revealed earlier today.
However, during the opening boardroom scene in the first episode of the new series, Sir Alan tells the 15 contestants that one male hopeful has already withdrawn because of nerves.
"I personally don't know who he is," said Sugar at The Apprentice launch. "As I joke in the first episode, I've never met the bloke!
"From what I understand from the production team there's nothing sinister about it. It was just that he got himself into the hotel room on the last night and he finally realised that this was it."
He added: "He knew that he was going to be away from his family and kids for 12 weeks and the reality hit home. That's what done him in. The thought of being away from the family."
The Apprentice returns on Wednesday, March 25 on BBC One.
Chloe O'brien
18-03-2009, 22:42
Next week it's back :cheer: :cheer:
:cheer::cheer::cheer: ah yeah.. my dance class finishes at 8.30 so I will be home in time
The 16th Apprentice contestant, who pulled out of the show at the last minute, has been revealed.
31-year-old Adam Freeman from Essex dropped out of the BBC series shortly before filming started on the first task. Sir Alan Sugar refers to Freeman as a "bottler" in the opening episode.
The father-of-two, who currently works on a loans website, claims to have made his first million by the age of 25 selling ringtones.
Freeman insists that he would have won the £100,000-a-year job if he had remained on the show, but admitted that he was concerned about being "whipped silly" by Sir Alan Sugar.
"We would be like two peas from the same pod. Sir Alan would have been all over me like a rash," he told The Sun. "He would have wanted me to be as good as he's been all his life.
"I'm up for a bit of pressure, but he would have whipped me silly. And I knew I would have won it. It could have been hell. Let's face it - working for Sir Alan is no stroll in the park."
He added: "I knew I'd win it, so I would be away for 12 weeks. I did think about bailing out after a few weeks - but I would have looked like a bottler. I'm not a bottler. I work hard and always have done."
The Apprentice returns on BBC One tonight.
Sir Alan Sugar will kick off the fifth series of The Apprentice tonight, launching a hunt for a new £100,000-a-year employee. The East End entrepreneur has been one the country's most successful businessmen during the last 30 years as the founder of Amstrad and one-time owner of Tottenham Hotspur football club. But what do you really know about Sir Alan beyond his fierce reputation and boardroom battles? Here's ten tantalising facts about the bearded millionaire that you may not have heard.
1. Sir Alan was born in Hackney on March 24 in 1947 to Fay and Nathan Sugar. At the age of 13 he was already making more money than his dad, who was a tailor, by boiling beetroots, making ginger beer and selling photographic film to school friends.
2. Sugar is a qualified pilot with 30 years of experience. He apparently owns a Cirrus SR20 four-seat aircraft, based at Stapleford Airfield. Very flash!
3. TV fame obviously runs in Sugar's family. His niece is Rita Simons, who plays Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders. I did not know this
4. Sir Alan is patriotic when it comes to The Apprentice. Speaking about Donald Trump's US version, Sugar said: "When you're on a winner, you stick to the winner. You polish it and enhance it and try to make it more interesting to the public...they've made the fatal error of trying to change things just for the sake of it and it backfired."
5. Sir Alan famously said that he didn't like "schmoozers" and "a**e-lickers", but what does the East End boy think of academic University types? "Qualifications are meaningless in the world of business. They are a badge that shows a person is at a certain level of intelligence - it doesn't demonstrate that they are an expert in anything," he says. Well that's told us!
6. Sugar's triumphs as a businessman are well documented, but as a football chairman he was far less successful. During his nine-year run as owner of Spurs, Sugar's team only won one measly trophy, the 1999 Worthington Cup.
7. Sir Alan's dislike for journalists is well known, but who does he hate more than tabloid hacks? "Football players are scum, total scum," he said. "They're bigger scum than journalists, don't you understand? They don't know what honesty or loyalty is. They're the biggest scum that walk on this planet and, if they weren't football players, most of them would be in prison, it's as simple as that."
8. When he's not busy grilling people in the boardroom and making big money deals, Sugar has been known to give up his time and cash for charity. He's raised large sums of money for Great Ormond Street, the Hackney Empire and Jewish Care.
9. Is Sir Alan Sugar as grumpy as he's made out to be on The Apprentice? His trusty aide Nick Hewer certainly thinks so. "He's not cuddly. I've seen him being charming, but it's not an everyday thing. He can be pretty gruff with his friends, too. He can tear into you if you've made a mistake," said Hewer.
10. Sir Alan has frequently been accused of sexism during his time on The Apprentice, so where does he really stand on women in the workplace? "I have great sympathy for women," he said. "I think some of the employment laws are counter-productive. They prevent employers asking questions, which 99% of the women would be happy to answer...Where they live, whether they have children, have they made provision to have their children looked after. It gets blown out of proportion by the media."
Can't wait for this to start tonight (and Perdita, I did know that about Roxy been his niece)
That is because you are a clever bunny :D
LostVoodoo
25-03-2009, 16:35
i know who goes out and managed to let it slip at work, oops!
I must watch it this year! I watched the comic relief one and forgot how much I love this :D
the girl project manager is doing my head in already!!!!
(it'll take me a while to learn all their names lol )
Wednesday nights are now offically amazing (were anyway; because of gossip girl - but now with the apprentice :cheer:)
Oooh DID NOT THINK SHE WAS GOING TO GET FIRED!!
DaVeyWaVey
25-03-2009, 22:18
Loving Debra :D What a stirrer!
Mona is getting on my nerves.
Felt sorry for Anita. She just seemed to have been pushed out by the bigger characters and was very quiet. It's a shame she left but someone had to go.
Sir Alan Sugar kicked off the new series of The Apprentice by warning the 15 hopefuls he was no Elton John. To differentiate himself from the pop pianist he gave the candidates a tough cleaning challenge, asking them to raise as much cash as possible in ten hours. The girls' team, led by Mona Lewis, came unstuck early doors, wasting nearly £200 on car wash equipment and consequently handing the win to the boys. Back in the boardroom Sir Alan ended up blaming Anita Shah. Was it the right decision to fire her? We spoke to 35-year-old law graduate to find out.
Do you think Sir Alan fired the right woman?
"I don't think I deserved to be one to go, but I hold my hands up for saying some things that weren't particularly clever. But I think there were people there who made bigger mistakes than me. My project manager did a poor job of coming up with a vision and Debra didn't do a great job of managing the sub-team either. Mona stepped up to the challenge of being team leader, which I think helped her in the end, but ultimately she didn't actually complete the job and I think she should have gone. It's really devastating to be fired first. You gear yourself up emotionally, than all of a sudden you realise, 'Oh dear, I'm out!'"
You claimed that being a lawyer counted against you. Do you genuinely believe that?
"Those comments were taken slightly out of context. You didn't see Sir Alan telling me in the boardroom that he doesn't need another lawyer in his organisation. That's where the comment came from. I regret saying to the camera, 'I don't have a chip on my shoulder' because as I watched it back, I thought 'that is so me having a chip on my shoulder'. The thing about being trained as a lawyer is that you become obsessed with problems. You start thinking, 'you can't do this, you can't do that'. Sir Alan is looking for an innovator and lawyers are traditionally viewed as backwards people. I think lawyers will have a starting point behind all the other contestants on the show."
Did you cringe when you watched back some of your comments about successfully using a calculator?
"How did I feel when I saw it? I thought 'Damn it! You look like a miserable so-and-so'. If you meet me face to face, you'll know that's not what I'm about. I came across as dull and either petrified or p***ed off in the boardroom. It was irritating because that's not really me. But at least in the boardroom I acted with conscience and integrity. If I'd been tougher and not been myself I might have gone through. The problem is that I'm a perfectionist and when someone says I'm in the wrong, I admit it and am willing to take the blame. I was too tough on myself in the boardroom and you can't afford to do that."
What did you think to Debra and Mona? They both seemed quite cut-throat when it came to business.
"I think they're both good, but I didn't see them for long enough to make a proper opinion. Debra did have very, very aggressive behaviour, which may make her unpopular if she doesn't keep an eye on it. But I'm not going to sit here and slag her off. Mona has a real drive to her and I think both of them could go very far."
Is it true that you want to launch a emotional, psychological and spiritual therapy business?
"My plans were taken slightly out of context, but the idea is inspired by the credit crunch and recession. It's hitting people I meet every day and everywhere you go there's stress and I think this credit meltdown is going to create a people meltdown. I think there's an opportunity and gap in the market for spiritual and emotional development to deal with that. I know it sounds wet and washy, but I actually think it's something that's going to make money if it's harnessed in the right way. People are going for things like counselling a lot more these days, so I definitely think there's a potential business there. I'm not sure if I'm the person to create it, but it's something I'm very interested in."
Apparently you want to write a chick lit novel in the future. Have you made any progress?
"Never plan too much because plans are there to be broken. Have aspirations, but also live each day. As Sir Alan's still on a quest for his Apprentice and I'm still on my quest. I want to find somewhere that I can excel. As for the chick lit novel, I'm about 50,000 words through. I have lots of ideas about how I'll shape it and already have ideas for the book that follows, which will be about the credit crunch. I'm enjoying building the characters and there will hopefully be some interesting outcomes for them. I don't think The Apprentice will be the last that you hear of me."
The Apprentice continues next Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.
Loving Debra :D What a stirrer!
Mona is getting on my nerves.
Felt sorry for Anita. She just seemed to have been pushed out by the bigger characters and was very quiet. It's a shame she left but someone had to go.
Mona annoyed me too but I did like Debra... what it with Phil and Howard?? I can see them stinging each other in future tasks.. loving this already!!
I'm a rough tough cream puff :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Chloe O'brien
26-03-2009, 11:32
Again another bunch of high-flyers with not an once of common sense between them. why do none of them think logically. It's not rocket science they didn't need all those power washers and vacum cleaners. All they needed was a bucket, a sponge and hot soapy water. Stand on a street corner and charge £3 for a car wash they would have made a killing.
Its too early to tell who is going to win. The contestants who are trying to get themselves noticed early may just shoot themselves in the foot. It's better to sit back and people watch for a few weeks and let the competition pull each other apart and give the bitches and backstabbers enough rope to hang themselves.
DaVeyWaVey
01-04-2009, 22:25
I thought Sir Alan made the wrong decision tonight. Rocky showed promise and I thought he made a decent enough plea to stay. He could have learnt from his mistakes in future tasks.
I felt James should have gone - his people skills are poor as he can't keep his mouth shut. He is all talk and no action. Phillip should have replaced Howard in the board room I thought - he annoyed me so much as he just kept moaning all the time.
I thought tonight's episode was so funny though - my favourite moment was Kate negotiating and she wasn't sure what food was hot or cold - Margaret holding her head in her hands in despair :D haha so funny.
Chloe O'brien
01-04-2009, 22:45
I would have given Howard the boot he should used his knowledge of running pubs instead of letting Rocky be a lamb to the slater. How thick is that Kate did you see her trying to sell the lunches she did not have a clue what she was doing. The lads idea started off well but the toga's were a big NO! NO!
rocky should NOT have gone... it was his idea to go sell on the streets for the lunch rush when they didn't secure a lunch deal.. and those wraps by the girls.. there is not way I would have paid 4 quid for one of those... James should keep his mouth shut!!!
Did anyone see the Apprentice You're Fired! Laughed so much especially when James said he wet himself in the boardroom :lol::lol::lol:
I really hate Philip. He is so negative - ALL THE TIME, did he say one constructive thing? It was all back stabbing, negative comments to the camera. He reminded me a little of Katie - however she at least smiled!
I really hate Philip. He is so negative - ALL THE TIME, did he say one constructive thing? It was all back stabbing, negative comments to the camera. He reminded me a little of Katie - however she at least smiled!
That blond girl (think also Kate) is just as bad.. she complains but never speaks up.. this is the second task she has done this in
I have yet to see, perhaps I should say notice, someone that I would want to work with. In the last series Simon was such a grafter, and such a nice guy, I m sure that he would have been lovely to work with.
TBH I was suprised last night when Rocky went - I thought that James had dug himself into a real hole in the boardroom, and I would have sacked him. I guess Rocky was just too young for Sir Alan.
I cannot take to Howard either - he kept on saying that Rocky's main mistake was taking the wrong two people into the boardroom. Well, no, it wasn't his main mistakes were firstly not asserting himself and putting a stop on their stupid ,expensive, theme, and secondly not costing out his product. He spent far too much money, and didn't work out how much he could afford on the basis of the price.
The girls team were lucky that the boys were so awful, but at least they sold up front. if they had to sell in the street then their product would not have done so well - it was substandard.
I totally agree with the premise that you should spend as little as you can and charge as much as you can - but none of those sales would result in repeat business for a real company.
Cheaper ingredients are fine - but they skimped on them too much.
The styling of the canpes was also very poor - and when did a sweet crepe become a blini!!!!
I had to laugh at the girls food..it was just cracker bread slopped with tuna or tomato on top.. it was badly presented
I was shocked he went!!!
I think that other one, the one who has a bad temper?......James!!!
Should go next
DaVeyWaVey
08-04-2009, 22:22
I really enjoyed it tonight. I thought the right person went - Maj was rather boring and didn't seem to contribute anything. Atleast Ben got stuck in and made the effort with producing the product (even if it did look bad, like an unattractive black box!) I thought James was better this week, than last week.
Lorraine did a really good job on Debra's team. She seems to have drive and passion and I thought Phillip came across well, congratulating her on a job well done in the boardroom. I still think Debra is one to watch out for though.
Chloe O'brien
08-04-2009, 22:38
Debra is a hard-faced moo who needs a good thumping she was not amused when Sir Alan said they had Philip and Lorraine to thank for winning the task. Although I did agree with her about the photoshoot when the other members thought they shouldn't have two black people in the poster. She just doesn't have any people skills.
Glad that James survived another week I hope he makes it to the final. You can see he has ideas he just can't get them out, he needs to be on the winning side for a change.
.:SpIcYsPy:.
08-04-2009, 22:50
Philip is so sweet, it was a nice change seeing someone openly stick up for their mates like that when someone is trying to put the blame on them. Debra really needs to shut up and listen at times, too controlling. I don't think Maj should have went, I know he was too laid back but (James I think?) had his chance but I don't know, dosen't seem like he's interested in anything! Ben, good idea (only one that came up with anything valid I guess) but wow far from modest :lol:
& Lmao at some of the things that were being said - the rabbit & cushion comments! Comedy value is tops :lol:
DaVeyWaVey
08-04-2009, 22:50
I have been watching Series 3 of the Apprentice all week on YouTube - I can safely say I am utterly hooked on this show now! Why is it only on once a week!? :(
Chloe O'brien
08-04-2009, 22:52
Yeah Howard the fence-sitter. :lol: :lol: Alan Sugar is in the wrong job man, his comments are priceless. If I was in the boardroom I think I would get sacked for laughing.
I have been watching Series 3 of the Apprentice all week on YouTube - I can safely say I am utterly hooked on this show now! Why is it only on once a week!? :(
Why? did it used to be on more?
DaVeyWaVey
08-04-2009, 23:21
I have been watching Series 3 of the Apprentice all week on YouTube - I can safely say I am utterly hooked on this show now! Why is it only on once a week!? :(
Why? did it used to be on more?
No I don't think so. I was just saying it as "I wish it was on more than once a week".. because I have become totally hooked on it.
Yeah lol
I really dont like this James, even though he was better this week
I love it how they all sorta loved their product yet when they were in the board room this opinions very quickly changed
James should have gone... can't stand Debra.. .she is way to controlling and won't shut up long enough to listen.... Far play to Phil for standing up for Fiona (I think that is her name)...
Good episode last night :) Lorraine and Philip both did really good jobs - and both came across well - Debra on the other hand :| DISLIKE her! How bossy and arrogant, i actually felt sorry for Yasmina last night when she was trying to take the photos and Debra kept getting involved.
Think the right person went - Maj hadnt really gotten involved at all. I think James' book is marked though .... deffo trending on eggshells!
I think Ben did well last night - the product did look a bit horrble - but i didn't see anyone else suggesting anything!
I agree, i think that James is definitly close to getting the boot, but he is so entertaining.
Debra is unbearable i hope she goes soon, i dont think she will though. I thought Lorraine did a good job at the pitch, and i think that he was right to stick up for her.
i really dont like that Ben, he is so arrogant and up himself, he'd better go and fast! But I can see him being the new Micheal and being there for weeks, and annoying me for it!
Whos Ben?
:lol: sorry I still keep forgetting all the names
Whos Ben?
:lol: sorry I still keep forgetting all the names
that smug little weasel that thought up the idea for that gym in a box
The one who seemed very althletic?
The one who seemed very althletic?
yes! everything about him makes my skin crawl, argh! i hope he's not around for much longer!
how rubbish was that gym in a box idea anyways!?
LostVoodoo
10-04-2009, 13:40
i couldn't believe it when Debra shouted at Yasmina accusing her of being racist. it wads a perfectly reasonable suggestion and people who make adverts have to make that kind of decision every day!
Chloe O'brien
10-04-2009, 23:11
The multi-gym idea started off well and James group would probably won the task if they had kept it simple, but Ben and co had to go and add arms and legs to it that is where it lost focus. That is were many of tasks go wrong as they try and complicate tasks rather than keep them simple. They have no logic and don't look at the whole picture before they start.
what i dont get is how each week they can **** up on the simpliest of things
if we can all point them out easily, and we have no buisness experience, then why do these so called "experienced" people mess up big style!?
i know its obv different when your actually doing it, and hindsight is a brilliant thing, but they seem to make the mother of all **** ups over the simpliest of things each and every time!
I think that part of their problem is conceit. They are all so up themselves that they think that their ideas are wonderful - they do not seem to have a self edit function at all.
Ben - best looking guy here - yuck :sick:
Debra - always right, can do no wrong and sees no good in anyone else :sick:
James - is just not up to it, what a wimp.
Chloe O'brien
11-04-2009, 23:59
For all the degree's they may have and wonderful qualifications not one of them is got an ounce of common sense.
Watched this with my dad's cousin this week. Loved it and will definitely be watching from now on.
When Sir Alan was talking about the cushion and sitting on the fence :lol: The bit where he said that the only good thing about the pitch for the gym in the box was that they took the sample away afterwards was great too.
DaVeyWaVey
15-04-2009, 22:09
Aww I didn't want Paula to go. She made an error but she had good creativity and I thought she was a good leader! I really wish Ben went, but he's being so arrogant and he's really fighting his corner so it's clear that Sir Alan wants to keep him just because he makes good TV. I don't think Ben has anything good to offer in my opinion.
I loved how Nick revealed how much Paula's team actually spent and everyone looked so shocked - Kate's mouth wide open with shock... priceless :D
Noorul was a terrible team leader! I think if his team lost, he would have gone especially as he had a bad report from Margaret too. I actually wanted Noorul's team to lose as the product was rubbish and he was so poor at leading. Paula's team did a really good job at selling, especially at such a high price and the product was decent. It was just that fatal error that ruined everything for them.
I am really starting to like Lorraine. I loved how she dealt with Phillip getting stressed and then telling bluntly to the camera how she thought he was acting.
It was a good episode but I felt the wrong person went!
Ben is horid, I wish Alan had fired him, but I must admit he made the right decision to get rid of the team leader on this ocassion. But I hope Ben goes soon, he's such a self rightious slimeball.
StarsOfCCTV
16-04-2009, 00:24
Noorul was a terrible team leader!
He needs to go and fast! I thought his team were going to lose given they were selling desperately at the end.
I hope Ben goes soon.
Davey.. I was the same.. i wanted the other team to loose so Noorel would be fired..he was hopeless... he didn't have a clue how to lead anyone and made very very bad decisions
Paula was a great TL.. she just made a mistake of trust 2 people to help her with pricing and she did mix up Sandalwood with ceaderwood but with 2 others there they should have said "hang on a minute"..
Ben is arrogant and rude and adds nothing to any project except hot air on how great he is... Like Phil a lot more now than at the start... "dumb as a doorknob" :lol::lol: great quote
and the other quote of the day "Well, I will leave you too it then" when Nick reveals they spent £700 on oils :rotfl::rotfl:
Nick really helped the losing team out by pointing out their mistake before they priced their product - it could all have been so much worse.
Noorul was hopeless - no bad, not awful - but totally useless and without hope of any kind. He was so lucky that the other team screwed up.
Ben is not the kind of person I would want to work with. Limelight stealing back stabbing egotist. No one is as good as he thinks he is! I think that Sir Aln has his measure though - but I was surprised that he didn't use this opportunity to get rid.
Paula was a good project manager - but she should have had a grasp of the numbers - it wasn't just a case of mixing up the cedarwood and sandel wood, they didn't realise that they needed 450 grammes of the stuff - misreading 3% as 3g is pretty basic.
Yasmina(sp) and Paula were equally to blame on that front.
What a shame, Noorul your card is marked.
I was surprised that he didn't fire Ben too. It seemed like he was going to because he was giving credit to Paula for a good idea, good creativity and she had clearly delegated despite the others insisting otherwise in an attempt to save their own necks.
Noorul; can't sell, can't lead... definitely the one that got away!
Chloe O'brien
16-04-2009, 23:38
Noorul was out of his depths from the begining you could see that although he was good at making the product because of his science background his leadership skills were awful he did not have a clue about delegation or anything and only survived by the skin of thier teeth. When Nick told the other group they had spent £700 on products we knew they were doomed it should have been Yasmina or slimeball Ben who went.
He wasn't even that good at making; the product looked hilarious and as Kimberley I think it was said, the product wasn't going to be good in the long run because it snapped after one use or something.
Apprentice star Mona Lewis made a homophobic comment during filming for the BBC One reality series, it has been claimed.
The 28-year-old businesswoman, who was raised in Tanzania, reportedly offended her gay teammate Howard Ebison by expressing controversial views on the programme.
According to the Sunday Mirror, the row began when Sir Alan Sugar challenged the candidates to create a new image for the seaside town of Margate.
After Ebison suggested rebranding the location as a gay resort, Lewis apparently rejected the idea before admitting that she would not like her six-year-old son to meet a homosexual man.
An insider told the newspaper: "Howard did very well to keep his cool as he was extremely offended. He had to put up with a certain amount of homophobic abuse when he was growing up, so this really upset him.
"The group was stunned that someone as intelligent as Mona could have such old-fashioned views. Even though she was raised in a country with more traditional values, her comments were indefensible."
Show producers are still said to be considering how much of the incident will air amid fears that it could offend viewers.
what a vile, ignorant woman. i hope they show all of the argument so she can be shown for the vile homophobe that she is. disgusting. i hope her son turns out to be gay in the future, then let's see how she'd react to it.
StarsOfCCTV
22-04-2009, 22:09
Nick: They took logic and tortured it until it screamed.
:lol:
Philip is really annoying. He's so arrogant and needs to be put in his place. I dislike people like him who intimidate others to get their own way and their way is only right no one else's. :rolleyes:
Right person went tonight, Philip needs to calm down and listen to others though!
Kate was a really good teamleader and i loved their product - i actually want some Treasure flakes :)
Chloe O'brien
22-04-2009, 23:27
Philil is on a sticky wicket and if he doesn't put a sock in it he is going to be next for the chop. He may think he is Mr Wonderful and he is a grafter but he is not impressing Sir Alan one bit. He is given Howard, Norul and the rest of the fence sitters a free ride to the end as all the gobby ones are sitting back letting him take centre stage while giving him rope hoping that he will hang himself and he's playing right into their hands.
The right person went - Kim was a rotten team leader, and Phil only liked her because she went with everyone of his stupid ideas. With her experience she should have known better and she let bossy Phil walk all over her.
Phil should be on a shoogley peg. He is arrogant, and stupid enough not to listen to anyone else. He seems to think that he is god's gift! To him anyone who doesn't agree with everything that comes out of his mouth is negative, well I am sorry by when he started on about pants man - and some people agreed - I couldn't believe it! Pantsman belongs as a farting superhero in Viz - not selling healthy cereal to kids. How puerile.
DaVeyWaVey
23-04-2009, 08:57
What on earth did pants have to do with breakfast cereal!?!? :D:D Worst.idea.ever and Kim was a fool to go along with it. I felt she deserved to get fired because she was poor as project manager and didn't use her experience well at all. I laughed at Mona's pitch, as it was just so terrible.
On the other hand, I liked the other team's 'Treasure Flakes' and thought Kate was very impressive as team leader. I wasn't surprised her team won, as their idea was way superior.
Loving Lorraine :D I don't know why, but her arguments make me laugh. She is going to stir things up even more I think and I can't wait :D
Kim was stupid to go along with the idea but there was nothing else on the table and Phil basically forced the idea on her.. the only problem I saw with Kate's ad was the kid not eating the cereal.. As a mum I want to see kids eat it and not play with food...
Chloe O'brien
23-04-2009, 10:25
The pants idea would have worked if they had used logic, again they did not focus on one target group. I could see the concept of having sleepy children and giving them a breakfast which provides them with energy. we are told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and kids who eat a breakfast are more focused at school. If they had a Mad Scientist character like Einstein promoting brain power they may have pulled if off.
Kim was stupid to go along with the idea but there was nothing else on the table and Phil basically forced the idea on her.. the only problem I saw with Kate's ad was the kid not eating the cereal.. As a mum I want to see kids eat it and not play with food...
I couldn't believe it when the actor kid said - I can't eat it, I have a nut allergy!
That should have been checked before hand... the ad where he is digging in the treasure chest playing with the cereal was wrong..
The whole concept was great (better than pants man) but the ad was wrong
lorraine is the new lucinda, she will go far
that pants idea was stupid and i think phillip should have gone for it. but their team was a total shambles - the box, the design, the concept, the pitch -all ridiculous
Chloe O'brien
23-04-2009, 22:51
There is no way Philip is going to win he has shot himself in the foot by being too cocky if he is in the boardroom next week he will go unless Noorul goes because Alan is dying to get rid of him. All the gobby ones have gone quiet and are sitting under the radar for a few weeks because they have taken a turn at project manager so they know all they have to do is agree with what their team manager decides and do what they are asked without causing any ripples that is why we haven't had a peep out of howard, Deborah or Yasmina in weeks because they want rid of Philip as soon as he gone's they will turn against Kate and the rest one-by-one.
Although I was glad to see the back of Noorul I do think that Ben should have gone, too. In fact, if i was Sir Alan there would have been a triple eviction last night!
The best business brains in the UK may be in London - but there are not on the Apprentice.
Poor Lorraine, to be so often right and so often ignored.
Philip is a conceited know it all numpty.
I agree.. all 3 should have been sacked.. I know I would have been fired if I spoke to my TL/Manager the way Debra spoke to Nick.. Ben was a totally idiot, they all were to be honest.. Phil should have listened to Lorraine
James is so funny when he was talking about Noorul on the "you're fired " show saying he was afraid he was going to eat someone :lol::lol: and Sir Alan saying to Ben about bringing in James "do you think some village is missing its idiot" :rotfl::rotfl:
Can't remember which celeb said it but calling Lorraine a "mood hoover", funniest comment ever :lol::lol:
Chloe O'brien
30-04-2009, 23:34
Ben has to stay in for another few weeks he is so disoluioned he's priceless. James was classic when he yelled WHAT as Ben said he was bringing him into the boardroom and the villiage missing an idiot quote from Sir Alan, between that and saying anyone who employs Noorul should ask for a recipt. :rotfl: :rotfl:
Did Howard take part last night or did he just stay in the house as since week 1 him and Mona have not uttered a cheep they need to go they are just passangers. Philip and Deborah have no chance of winning especially after their comments and attidude Sir Alan had wanted rid of Noorul since the soap task and he will get rid of those too at the quickest opportunity. It will be interesting to see how the others treat Lorriane from now onwards as they know Lorriaine is their biggest threat watch Philip suck up her ass next week.
The Pantsman idea could only appeal to people that still had a hangover from the night before, not their children as well! I think that Kimberley guessed that that idea was going to be subject to scrutiny in the boardroom and wanted to try saving her own neck by keeping out of the pitch as that was obviously a significant part of the task.
I really want Deborah out but I was pleased that Noorul went first.
Chloe O'brien
02-05-2009, 00:45
Nick Hewer has claimed that his Apprentice sidekick Margaret Mountford is "quite flirty".
Hewer and Mountford act as Sir Alan Sugar's "eyes and ears" on the BBC One show.
Speaking about his colleague on This Morning, Hewer said: "She is a very attractive woman. She has beautiful eyes and is quite flirty."
He joked: "I'm beginning to gather my courage together to make some sort of move. She is, fortunately, not spoken for at the moment, which is good for me."
The former PR executive, who worked with Sugar's Amstrad firm in the 1980s, also admitted that he was reluctant to appear on the reality series at first.
"Sir Alan is very persuasive," said Hewer. "He said, 'Look, I'll sort out the money'.
"I thought it rather droll that he'd organise a fee for me, when for 25 years I'd been fighting to get my fee out of him!"
.:SpIcYsPy:.
08-05-2009, 18:32
Can't believe Philip went.. Shame really, I wanted him to win.
Yes, he says the wrong things in the boardroom and gets a bit cocky but I think Lorraine was going on too much about instincts since Margret's comment last week.
Hmm did anyone else notice how quiet Ben was?! :eek: Not a word out of him!
parkerman
08-05-2009, 18:35
Can't believe Philip went.. Shame really, I wanted him to win.
Yes, he says the wrong things in the boardroom and gets a bit cocky
And comes up with idiotic ideas and can't sell anything and doesn't listen to anybody...apart from that he was great.
Chloe O'brien
08-05-2009, 22:00
There was no need for Lorraine to bring it up about Kate and Phil in the Boardroom Phil was a gonner anyway he dug his own gravve last week along with Deborah, the only reason Ben wasn't chosen instead of Kate was because he gave Lorraine a pitch. All three of them were out to stab Lorraine in the back after last week they did nothing but carry on and were not doing anything to get sales, Now they have screwed any chance of winning and they have given the likes of Howard who has nothing since week one a free ride to the final week.
LostVoodoo
09-05-2009, 08:43
does anyone else get the impression that if Lorraine looked like Kate she would be treated a lot better by the other candidates?
.:SpIcYsPy:.
09-05-2009, 12:15
Can't believe Philip went.. Shame really, I wanted him to win.
Yes, he says the wrong things in the boardroom and gets a bit cocky
And comes up with idiotic ideas and can't sell anything and doesn't listen to anybody...apart from that he was great.
Now now, don't forget the Body Rocka :lol: :rotfl:
parkerman
09-05-2009, 14:24
Can't believe Philip went.. Shame really, I wanted him to win.
Yes, he says the wrong things in the boardroom and gets a bit cocky
And comes up with idiotic ideas and can't sell anything and doesn't listen to anybody...apart from that he was great.
Now now, don't forget the Body Rocka :lol: :rotfl:
Actually, I missed that episode, so, personally, I have never seen him do anything useful.
Pinkbanana
09-05-2009, 19:44
does anyone else get the impression that if Lorraine looked like Kate she would be treated a lot better by the other candidates?
Sadly, I do think there is something in that..... :hmm:
Philip was useless, and far to conceited to realise just how useless he really was.
I agree that Lorraine's looks go against her - it is an unfair world.
Kate, however, has a lot more than looks on her side. Boy she shafted Phil in the boardroom!
Lorraine was right that Kate and Phil's relationship affected their performance in the task. Phil was besotted and flirted all day (or so the editing leads us to believe). Kate did not work to her optimum at all either - however, neither did Ben! I truely believe that they expected Lorraine to go if they failed the task, and didn't try because she was the project manager.
I think that Lorraine should go next, I have nothing against her about looks or anything, Im not that silly but I think she was very silly in the last task
Chloe O'brien
12-05-2009, 23:20
I think Howards should go next he has done nothing since the first week, the little radar dodger.
DaVeyWaVey
17-05-2009, 10:34
I really enjoyed last week's show. I agreed with Sir Alan's decision again and felt Mona was the right person to leave. I read before the show, there was this 'homophobic argument' between Mona and Howard, but I didn't see anything to suggest Mona was homophobic on last week's show, unless the producers edited it out :confused:
I think Debra should have gone this week, but I thought Mona should've been the next to go after her so I was reasonably happy with Sir Alan's decision. I think Lorraine should go soon too.
parkerman
17-05-2009, 11:31
I agree with that. On the task itself, it should definitely have been Debra, but I think Sralan took his decision on an overall basis.
parkerman
19-05-2009, 11:25
On the other hand, perhaps Debra should definitely stay...:http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/article309899.ece?slideshowPopup=true&articleId=309899&nSlide=1&initialArticleId=309899 :eek:
On the other hand, perhaps Debra should definitely stay...:http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/article309899.ece?slideshowPopup=true&articleId=309899&nSlide=1&initialArticleId=309899 :eek:
I guess she didn't win and she is trying to get her 6 figure sum from somewhere :lol::lol:
.:SpIcYsPy:.
19-05-2009, 11:47
On the other hand, perhaps Debra should definitely stay...:http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/article309899.ece?slideshowPopup=true&articleId=309899&nSlide=1&initialArticleId=309899 :eek:
Ahhh come on now! You could have warned us!!! :eek: :eek:
My eyes are burning! :wall: :wall: :wall:
I am quite taken aback by the photos - was the Apprentice solely a platform to start her 15 minutes of fame or did she actually want a job in business?
She will never be taken seriously now..
I knew she was rude, arrogant, loud mouthed and obnoxious... perhaps stupid should be added to the mix.
Totally agree.. Can't see her winning this if she is posing in NOTW... what image does that portray Sir Alan company as?
DIPPY James McQuillan attempts to give birth as he tests out baby products in the week’s episode of The Apprentice.
Sir Alan Sugar challenges the candidates to get to grips with the baby market.
Each team must pick two parenting products and set up a stall at the country's biggest baby show.
While looking at the different items on offer, bumbling James takes a shine to a birthing pool – and attempts to try it out by pretending he’s in labour.
Watch The Apprentice on Wednesday, May 20 at 9pm on BBC One.
The Sun
DaVeyWaVey
19-05-2009, 15:16
Lol James is so funny :D Bless him, and I didn't even like him in the first week or so!
DIZZEE needs to watch his back — SIR ALAN SUGAR is about to become the world’s most unlikely rap star.
A DJ has sampled his best putdowns from telly’s The Apprentice and mixed them with the hit BBC1 show’s theme tune for a new dance track.
Apprentice B-More Betta, by DJ DUB, features classic lines from the series including, “Who wants to speak first?”, “No good, sorry, same old story” and, of course, “You’re fired”.
An accompanying video by DJ Dub’s pal DJ YODA has clips of Sir Alan giving last year’s Apprentices a roasting.
Dub, also known as JIM’LL MIXIT, told me: “I’m a big fan of The Apprentice and put the track together as a bit of fun.”
Sir Alan’s spokesman ANDREW BLOCH said: “He’s heard the track but hasn’t given me any feedback yet.
“Maybe he’s waiting to see what his grandchildren think of it!”
The Sun:D
I really thought that Debra would go last night, but I am glad to see the back of cocky Ben.
A double eviction would have been nice!
I am glad that James survived. Why should you be a back stabbing b*****d to do well in business?
I was delighted to see Ben go last night and like you, I would have liked a double eviction.. Debra hasn't learnt a thing and is just a rude arrogant person..
parkerman
21-05-2009, 09:10
I thought the teams were a bit unbalanced last night in that the best three left in were all in one team....perhaps that's why they won so easily.
I thought the teams were a bit unbalanced last night in that the best three left in were all in one team....perhaps that's why they won so easily.
I think that was to check if Lorraine does alienate people and it is obvious she doesn't.. she is just not afraid to stand up to strong, dominate types.. they worked really well together on that team
I also think that is almost guaranteed that Siralan would be able to get ride of one of Ben, Debra or James...
Chloe O'brien
21-05-2009, 11:06
I'm would have preferred Debra to go last night as she is still a loud mouth bully who has learned nothing for the amount of time she has been in the boardroom.
DaVeyWaVey
21-05-2009, 12:27
I am glad Ben finally went. He kept saying how brilliant and amazing he was, but he didn't actually demonstrate any of this so called 'brilliance' :rolleyes:
I'm glad Lorraine's team won. Her, Kate and Howard worked really well together and I thought Lorraine showed good leadership skills. It was so funny when she was trying to show the buggy :D
I think the final is going to be between Kate and Yasmina.
.:SpIcYsPy:.
21-05-2009, 15:31
I am glad that James survived. Why should you be a back stabbing b*****d to do well in business?
I would like someone to explain that concept to me too! :searchme: :hmm:
I am glad that James survived. Why should you be a back stabbing b*****d to do well in business?
I would like someone to explain that concept to me too! :searchme: :hmm:
I don't know why you should be but it seems those who are aggressive and pushy make their way up... I have seen this in my job.. most of the people who I found to be arrogant and aggressive are not top managers here (oh yeah, they also sold out people who helped them at the start)
StarsOfCCTV
21-05-2009, 16:51
The narrator was really funny: "Lorraine and the Buggy are squaring up for round two" :lol:
Surprised Debra didn't go, and I think she will probably be next, she's not the friendliest person.
:eek: at those pictures!
I thought Sir Alan was heading towards firing James who I think is one of the best people on there, so I was glad that he fired Ben in the end. Would rather it had been Debra though, I can't believe she didn't go that week she argued with Nick.
LostVoodoo
21-05-2009, 18:42
you've got to love James, if i was at the baby show i would totally have bought a birthing pool off him! i bet he's a really fun dad too.
i thought it was bad that Ben went this week, of all the weeks when he's really messed up he didn't really do anything too bad this time around!
Chloe O'brien
23-05-2009, 00:17
I want James to go all the way but I think Kate or Yasmina may beat him. still laugh about about the villiage missing an idiot comment from Sir Alan a few weeks ago. Bless James he works his butt of, but sometimes he is as bright as a 40 watt bulb.
As what Shiv says I agree with her. At work we have a new principal who has been in the post since last septemember. There is a re-alighnment going on where some posts will be lost and some members of staff will have to apply for their own jobs and yet we have the lurkers who are waiting to stab their colleagues in the back to apply for their jobs.
DaVeyWaVey
25-05-2009, 18:24
I found this article and thought it was really sad :(
Apprentice star Lorraine Tighe has been left a broken woman by her experiences on the BBC reality show – sinking so low she has even considered committing suicide.
She has lost two stone, is unable to leave her house and has split with her long-term partner, businessman Dennis Saterlay.
“Lorraine has been completely traumatised since appearing on The Apprentice and her health has deteriorated rapidly,” said Dennis.
“She has had trouble sleeping and has been waking up in the middle of the night in cold sweats and going downstairs and screaming.
“I honestly believe if it wasn’t for the fact Lorraine had two children to raise single-handedly, she would have killed herself already and been the first Apprentice suicide.”
Eight million viewers saw Lorraine’s team Ignite triumph in sales over James McQuillan’s Empire in last week’s task, selling baby accessories at a trade show in London.
But Lorraine’s confident facade on TV was a far cry from when she left school at 16 with few qualifications and was working as a construction company accounts manager in Kent.
She juggled work with bringing up her daughters, now aged four and nine, as a single mum since divorcing from their dad, City worker Theodore Apostolov, and told Apprentice bosses she “fought against the odds” to forge a successful career.
But since winning a place on the reality programme, her world has fallen apart.
She has been utterly devastated by a “malicious lie” that she was a swinger who paid for her boyfriend to have sex with a prostitute in Amsterdam while she watched.
Lorraine, 36, claims she has been victimised by other contestants branding her “animal” and “crazy”, and how the shows were edited to make her appear argumentative and ruthless.
She has also been targeted by vicious hate groups on Facebook where four pages are devoted to calling her an “ugly bitch” and people describe how they would like to punch her. Worried Dennis told the Sunday Mirror how Lorraine has now stopped eating, has constant nightmares and fears leaving her home in case she gets abuse from the public.
Dennis, 54, told how their three-year relationship broke down as he watched the single mum turn from a confident, successful woman into a suicidal wreck because of the show.
He said: “Lorraine has lost at least two stone and is worrying every minute of the day. She thinks everyone hates her or is laughing at her.
“She told me she has even had suicidal thoughts. But she is a great mother and would never take her own life and leave her children alone. She says her life has turned into a nightmare because of the show.”
Dennis told how he believes Lorraine was the victim of a cruel hate-campaign fuelled by “fabricated” stories about her personal life.
He said: “The claims she is a swinger are completely untrue. Because of those, she can no longer face people at her daughters’ school. No one deserves to be victimised that way.”
Fellow contestant Phil was Lorraine’s harshest, most aggressive critic on the show. At one point in episode six, he told the camera: “Everything that comes out of her mouth is b******s.”
She also had rows with Yasmina, who described her as a “crazy lady” with “serious issues” when the pair had a disagreement.
But Dennis has slammed show bosses for the way Lorraine was portrayed in the editing.
He said: “The Apprentice used to be focused on business tasks, but now the editing is all about minor arguments between Lorraine and Yasmina or Lorraine and Philip.
“There are loads of things Lorraine did brilliantly that were not shown on TV. But they would rather show things like Lorraine swearing while trying to open a baby buggy.”
And Dennis told how Lorraine would call him during filming completely exhausted because she had been forced to work 20-hour days.
He said: “I know Lorraine is a very capable businesswoman, under normal working circumstances. But the way The Apprentice is filmed – often back-to-back tasks, sometimes returning to the penthouse in the early hours of the morning and then starting again at 5am – is not normal circumstances.
“They deliberately push the contestants with 20-hour days and sleep deprivation to make them ratty and snap. It really upset me to see the way Lorraine has been portrayed as it’s so far from the reality of the person she is.
“She gave up a very senior position with a blue chip corporation to go on The Apprentice, as she wanted to achieve something greater for herself and her two girls and she feels she has had that thrown back in her face.”
Dennis added: “We were very happy together and I was thrilled for Lorraine when she won a place on the show – I saw it as a positive thing.
“But The Apprentice ended up ruining our relationship. It was the swinging story that ultimately led to our break-up. We argued about it a lot. The pressure of the lies and the stress that my name was going to be dragged through the mud was just too much.”
Yesterday psychologist Prof Robert Edelmann said Lorraine’s experience could serve as a warning for anyone considering putting themselves forward for a reality show.
He said: “Some people have needed counselling after a reality show, and it is possible for the psychological effects to be long-term.”
From The Mirror
-----
Hope she recovers soon. Best wishes to her.
parkerman
25-05-2009, 18:36
That's very sad. Especially this bit: "She has also been targeted by vicious hate groups on Facebook where four pages are devoted to calling her an “ugly bitch” and people describe how they would like to punch her."
What is the mentality of these people? :mad: :mad: :mad:
How many times have you watched the apprentice and screamed "you dumb ****!"? Its all down to the entertainment factor and nothing to do with business agility.
I am so sorry to hear this sad, sad story.
Of all the contestants I really like Lorraine - she seems to have common sense. She suffered from bullying by Philip - I was glad to see him go - and other contestants also acted badly, not seeming to take her seriously.
Of course, the Apprentice is a fake environment, with fake tasks and together with the exaggerated mix of personalities (some of whom must be chosen for the potential clashes) and the huge egos involved it must be a stressful experience.
But, as Rimmer says, it is a reality TV show.
Anyone who puts themselves in the public eye, in everyone's living room via the TV should know that every b*****d that has ever crossed their path will sell untrue stories to the tabloid press, that some people will like them and others hate them and that the Great British Public can be cruel and nasty.
Even her boyfriend here, who sound like he is being so supportive has probably sold this story - and if it is true it is probably something that she would rather was not in the public domain.
I hope that she recovers from this.
Chloe O'brien
25-05-2009, 20:44
I am saddend to hear about Lorraine story and outraged at some peoples mentality to go on facebook and write such horrid things about her. It's one thing to yell dumb fu** at the telly when these reality shows are on but to go and personally victimise her is bang out of order.
I want James to go all the way but I think Kate or Yasmina may beat him. still laugh about about the villiage missing an idiot comment from Sir Alan a few weeks ago. Bless James he works his butt of, but sometimes he is as bright as a 40 watt bulb.
As what Shiv says I agree with her. At work we have a new principal who has been in the post since last septemember. There is a re-alighnment going on where some posts will be lost and some members of staff will have to apply for their own jobs and yet we have the lurkers who are waiting to stab their colleagues in the back to apply for their jobs.
Same. I hope Kate and James are in the final. I think it will be Kate and Yasmina though.
THE Apprentice final has been shunted out of its usual timeslot on the BBC to make way for ITV's footie coverage.
The long-awaited episode was due to air on Wednesday, June 10 - the night England takes on Andorra in the World Cup qualifier.
But The Sun can reveal Beeb chiefs have now rescheduled it for Sunday, June 7.
The move is sure to upset fans used to curling up on Wednesday nights to watch the hit show.
Last night the BBC denied the move was due to fears the finale would lose ratings if put up against the England team, managed by Fabio Capello.
A spokeswoman said the final - in which Sir Alan Sugar picks the winner of a £100,000-a-year job with his firm - is "perfect" Sunday night telly.
She added: "We appreciate that many viewers will want to watch both The Apprentice final and the England World Cup qualifier.
"Our priority is to schedule programmes in a way that offers viewers the best experience possible."
after last night.. I reckon it will be Kate and James in the final.. James is the type of person you would want to have working for you.. he is smart but also very likeable.. can't see him stepping on people he works with... this is the type of boss everyone would like.. gets the job done but has fun doing it.. I would love to work with him.. I would be happy coming to work everyday..
I can't see Lorraine or Debra in the final...
JustJodi
28-05-2009, 11:33
I honestly do not like Debra....I would love to see her go next..
James is likeable, and I think he would make a great apprentice.
The way that Sir Alan was talking about Lorriane the past few weeks, makes me think he is going to AX her soon.
I feel bad that these nasty stories are getting out about Lorriane, regardless if the story was real or just fabricated, they have not started a smear champaign on any of the other canidates ??? Just doesn't sound right :-( And I wonder if it was some one who was sacked that started those nasty rumours ??????
LostVoodoo
28-05-2009, 18:47
i love how everyone is coming round to James, he's so fab! however, i just cannot see him getting past the interview stage. the same for Lorraine. those interviewing people are pure evil every year and you need to be very fast on your feet.
how funny was Kate with the air guitar? however, i think she let her mask slip for a mo this week when Lorraine suggested Howard presented because he was good rather than just pretty like Kate. i get the feeling she can be very two faced. i also liked the praise Debra got, because it basically amounted to 'you are good when you are on your own talking cr@p, but the rest of the time everyone hates you'
For once I don't think Debra deserved to go, and I never thought I'd be saying that. Her sarcasm at the beginning though was uncalled for and unnecessary.
I agree about James being very likeable; I think the public would like him as his humour in the pitch made good viewing, though Sir Alan was not impressed by it.
Do two candidates get fired next week? If so I'm hoping it will be Debra and Lorraine.
Chloe O'brien
29-05-2009, 00:27
Yeah let's here it for the villiage idiot who is the last man standing. Did we think he would make it this far not a chance but he has and well done to him, he's a decent guy who just needs to think before he opens his mouth. I still think Yasmina is a dark horse you have to watch for. There's no way Debra will be hired for the way she has acted in some of the tasks and her backchat in the boardroom. I think both Kate and Lorraine chances have sunk as well. Kate because she got involved with Phillip and basically sababotage Lorraine's project manager task. and Lorraine because she aint the brightest pixie in the forrest and takes a while to process the information.
Do two candidates get fired next week? If so I'm hoping it will be Debra and Lorraine.
From what I gather 3 get fired (so the clip at the end of you're fired showed)
I still dont like James
I have no idea who I want to win
StarsOfCCTV
03-06-2009, 23:23
A little rude in places but so funny. I almost cried with laughter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxi6QDwQyLU
Tonight's episode - Lorraine didn't seem the broken down person in Apprentice your fired that that article a few posts back portrayed but...who knows. I kind of wanted Debra to go through for some reason, it would be a more fun finale.
JustJodi
03-06-2009, 23:59
Kate is gonna win this one ....the other gal has her own thriving buisness already, just a feeling ive got...we shall see :-D
Yasmina didn't seem to be able to define gross profit, net profit or turnover in the interview and I can't believe thst that wasn't highlighted by Sir Alan or any of the others at any time in the board room. Isn't she in charge of the finance or something in her business and she managed to incorrectly quote her accounts and didn't realise that they were a public document.
I agree with the one who said that Sir Alan starting in business with his dad's savings was different to Yasmina's mum remortgaging her house; Sir Alan's dad would still have had a roof over his head had the savings been lost. I don't think it's fair to push all of it onto Yasmina though; her mum must have remortgaged the house for her brother too.
For being the only one that has actually demonstrated business skills in a practical way prior to the show I don't think it shows that much to shout about really considering her interview. When Sir Alan said that he knew that the person leaving would be ok I thought that Yasmina was on the way out of the door. I have to agree with him doubting her commitment too. I hope she doesn't win but I think she will because I don't want her to :lol:
I swear with the amount of basic errors that supposedly some of the best business prospects have made such as overstating the period of current employment and incorrectly quoting accounts; that applicants to the show are told to do something silly on their application or something to make for better viewing.
I can see kate winning this.. i thought he would have kept Debra last night cause you can see he has a soft spot for her.. James leaving :( ah bless
I really thought he would have kept Debra in last night over Yasmina - and to be honest i think he should have. Shame James went, but to be fair the others had more of an edge. I think and i want Kate to win - she's the better candidate i feel :)
I actually felt quite upset when Debra was fired, i took a shine to her in the final episode, when she was showing emotion to Lorraine and telling her it would be ok she should have been like that more i think. I still can';t believe she is only 23! thats three years older then me, as my dad said, she would eat me for breakfast.
It was so sad when James left he was brilliant, definitly the real star.
I really don't want Kate to win, she thinks she is perfect, but the fact Yasmina has her own business i think will vote against her in the final which i am really looking forward to.
StarsOfCCTV
04-06-2009, 11:43
I really don't mind who wins out of the two, Kate is a little robotic, and Yasmina didn't know her own business figures.
When I was watching Your fired, some woman said why is it that Debra has to show a soft side to be liked? When men act like Debra nothing is thought of it - Sir Alan is rude etc. I think she should've gone to the final. For someone so young, she's certainly achieved a lot.
there is a big difference between Sir Alan and Debra... Sir Alan is still a very likeable character but Debra is arrogant.. as one of his aide said "she would jump on a sale regardless of who it is just to get the win"... she doesn't listen to anyones ideas or opinions.
There is a difference between been ambitious and arrogant, Debra is the latter when is comes to business and no man or woman should behave like this just to get ahead..
I think that the right two are in the final.
Debra is arrogant and rude, she is obviously smart enough to cover it up for the last couple of weeks but her track record stands for itself.
Even the people she named a referees didn't have a good word to say for her:lol: :lol:
I agree that Yasmina fluffed the finance questions in the interview, she obviously had no idea that she was going to be examined on her business accounts - and as they were highlighted in her C.V. she should have known better. All registered companies have to post their accounts with Companies House on an annual basis, and it is easy to get copies of the documents over the internet. I have done it myself when researching a company my husband was dealing with.
I disagree that this wasn't raised in the board room - it was - Sir Alan obviously employs his own accountants and it is not that facet of Yasmina's talent he is interested in.
James, nice, capable, corporate man - Sir Alan made the right call.
Lorraine - what can I say? I have always liked her, but she shriveled during interview. Playing the poor single mother card was a mistake - it has been done to death in past series.
Kate, obviously highly intelligent, capable and ruthless.
I would prefer Yasmina to win, she is more likeable (Kate put down Lorraine and I hold it against her, lol)
I am going out on a limb here and say Kate wins (just cause of the direction Sir Alan pointed his finger "you're hired" in the clip for the next show)
Don't know if anyone else guess depending on where the candidates are sitting but you can almost tell who is going to fired if you see the clip at the end of the show and where Sir alan points too..
LostVoodoo
05-06-2009, 16:14
I am going out on a limb here and say Kate wins (just cause of the direction Sir Alan pointed his finger "you're hired" in the clip for the next show)
Don't know if anyone else guess depending on where the candidates are sitting but you can almost tell who is going to fired if you see the clip at the end of the show and where Sir alan points too..
that used to be true in the first couple of series, but it doesn't apply now. the bbc mix it up.
I Like Kate and would like it if she won
Chloe O'brien
05-06-2009, 23:30
Shame James isn't in the final. I would have like Sir Alan to give him a chance. I think Yasmina will win she has been a dark horse all through the contest. I think with seeing pictures of Kate and Phil together and reading reports that they are planning to wed. If Kate was to win then she wouldn't have the time to do all that that's why I think Yasmina will win.
Chloe O'brien
06-06-2009, 02:07
APPRENTICE sidekick Margaret Mountford last night quit the show.
The white-haired cult favourite, 56, is leaving after five years to finish her doctorate on ancient Egyptian manuscripts.
Corporate lawyer Margaret and colleague Nick Hewer act as Sir Alan Sugar’s “eyes and ears” on the BBC1 show.
The pair watch the wannabes bumble through their tasks before reporting to the business guru.
But she has told Sir Alan she will bow out after tomorrow night’s finale to concentrate on her PhD in papyrology.
A show insider said: “This will come as a big blow to Sir Alan and the millions of viewers.
“Margaret and Nick have almost as big a following as Sir Alan.
“She is very sad to be leaving but she feels the time is right.
“When she started I don’t think she had any idea just how popular it would become.”
The source added: “She has enjoyed every minute but it is very hard work and she wants to go out on a high.
“Margaret has told Sir Alan, who understands her reasons and thanked her for her hard work.”
Bosses will start their hunt for a replacement after the final episode of the current series, which airs tomorrow night.
Margaret met Sir Alan when she advised him on his firm Amstrad in the ’80s, and she joined the show at the start in 2005.
Tomorrow’s final sees Kate Walsh and Yasmina Siadatan, both 27, battle it out for a job with Sir Alan, 62.
StarsOfCCTV
06-06-2009, 02:29
Noooo. Won't be the same. :(
DaVeyWaVey
06-06-2009, 11:02
Oh no! :( Margaret is a legend!
Hannelene
06-06-2009, 14:40
I will miss Margaret I wonder who they will try and replace her with?
I thought it was already filmed? So surely her leaving won't affect the final?!
But that's sad i like Nick and Margaret!
Hannelene
06-06-2009, 19:43
Well this series will still have her and we will see her tomorrow night in the final but I was wondering if she will be replaced in the next series of The Apprentice?
Oh right yeh, so she won't be on next year. WHO will fill her shoes?!
Hannelene
06-06-2009, 19:47
No idea as that was my original question and what I was also wondering.....?
Definitely has to be a female i think - to make it fair and all that. And i persume someone in the business industry - someone in Sir Alan's firm or something?!
Maybe that woman who did the interviews ... the manager of Birmingham.
Hannelene
06-06-2009, 19:56
Karren Brady?
No way :(
Maybe that woman from Dragon Den........Deborah thats if her and Sir Alan are friends
A Tory MP has called for Sir Alan Sugar to quit The Apprentice following his decision to accept a job from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The Amstrad tycoon was this week unveiled as the Government's new 'enterprise tsar', an advisory role which will see him helping to shape policies affecting small firms and entrepreneurs.
The news has led to allegations of a conflict of interest between Sugar's appointment and his long-running commitment to the BBC One reality series.
Culture Select Committee chairman and Conservative politician John Whittingdale told The Mail On Sunday: "In my view it is not possible for him to continue to present The Apprentice at the same time as he is so closely identified with the Government.
"I had assumed that by accepting the role as enterprise tsar he would stand down from his role in The Apprentice. His show is all about business and enterprise. He will be making recommendations on policy to Government.
"He is already a political figure - he has made no secret of his admiration for Gordon Brown. Either he is an influential figure in Government or this is just window-dressing."
However, Sugar has already dismissed the concerns in an interview with The Andrew Marr Show, insisting that he will not officially join the Government.
He continued: "As far as I'm concerned this is politically neutral. All I want to do is try and help business and entrepreneurs."
A BBC spokesperson added: "Sir Alan is in discussions with us about his plans and has assured us that he is determined not to do anything that would jeopardise his work at the BBC, which is something he values greatly."
Hannelene
07-06-2009, 14:54
He should decide to do one or the other.
DaVeyWaVey
07-06-2009, 22:16
I thought Sir Alan made the right decision. Yasmina is a worthy winner and I felt she had more character to her, which was lacking in Kate.
I thought it was a very strong final though.
Pinkbanana
07-06-2009, 22:37
I thought Sir Alan made the right decision. Yasmina is a worthy winner and I felt she had more character to her, which was lacking in Kate.
I thought it was a very strong final though.
I was surprised by just how good both were in tonight's task, but I agree think Yasmina edged it.
Hannelene
07-06-2009, 22:44
Yasmina was great- she showed a more human side then Kate. Kate almost expects to win from the way she looks and acts and doesn't take criticism well. Out of the 2 Yasmina was the best candidate.Watching the show now Kate is all smiles but that you can see how she feels. I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of her. I can see her and Phillip being in newspapers and magazines for a long long time :(
Fantastic result fantastic task!
£13 for a box of chocs for me and my hubby???!!! I don't think so!
Yasmina's chocs sounded awful, but the concept, and price was right.
I loved Kate's idea but it was a bit expensive.. Jasmina's choc sounded horrid.. but given a few more days and it would have been great...
I am so chuffed, i really wanted yasmina to win, i thought she was really good, Kate just had something lacking about her.
I thought Kate should have won
I thought parts of Yasminas presentation was painful to watch
I agree with Abbie. Kate clearly made a mistake by saying that her chocolates would be a mass market item but in my eyes Yasmina's mistakes with her business accounts were worse; she not only has her own business but she's meant to be the finance director! I also get the feeling that Yasmina was lucky in that Sir Alan thought she'd presented well; Kate had shown that she could do so consistently.
After what he said about knowing that Yasmina would be fine by herself it seemed contradictory when he hired her; the whole point of an Apprentice is that they can't do it by themselves!
During yasminas presentation I was actually cringing at some bits
So was I. The only thing that made it more bearable was that I was sure Sir Alan wasn't going to be impressed. How wrong I was.
Hannelene
08-06-2009, 20:55
I think Sir Alan chose Yasmina and she probably wouldn't have as much press coverage as Kate would bring with her and her personal life
LORRAINE Tighe has bagged herself a new job after failing to become Sir Alan Suagr's new apprentice.
The single mum has just started working as an account manager for a Lancashire-based drainage specialists.
Before entering the BBC One show she had a similar role at another drainage firm.
But she told a local paper she was upset with how the show's producers had edited her, saying they portrayed her being obsessed with her gut instinct and as a victim of bullying by the other hopefuls.
Lorraine said: "I was disappointed at that because I am a professional person and I think I came across as Mystic Meg rather than someone with a lot of experience in business."
At least she was able to find employment again.
Hannelene
17-06-2009, 20:49
Good for her as long as she doesn't have more predictions!
Hannelene
17-06-2009, 20:50
Do you think Phil and Kate are cashing in on their relationship with all these stories in mags and papers?
I am sure that the editing has a great effect on how we relate to the candidates.
Lorraine wasn't making predictions, she was trusting her own judgement and that is something that everyone does. Margaret's Cassandra comment in the board room was true as far as noone else trusting Lorrain's judgement was concerned; but it put it out in the public domain that Lorraine was some sort of Seer or psycic and this is unfortunate - I don't believe that it is what Margaret meant at all.
I still cannot stand Phil - smarmy, and now Kate can be smarmy with him.
Hannelene
18-06-2009, 20:46
True it made Kate look great and everyone else the villian
Laughed so hard at this: http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2009/cassetteboy-bloody-apprentice-p1.php
Bit rude.. be warned but fantastic the way it is done
parkerman
20-10-2009, 15:27
That is so funny, Siobhan. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Thanks for finding it.
One of the best video's I have seen in a long long time
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