WHO WILL BE THE APPRENTICE? - 2005

The Apprentice is the UK's latest reality TV offering, pitching the intellectual against the streetwise, to fight for a high-powered job in Sir Alan Sugar's company.

Each week Sir Alan divides the contestants into two teams - and they compete to excel at the ever imaginative and challenging business tasks Sir Alan sets before them. The winning team is rewarded with an evening fitting of the generosity of a multi-millionaire; the losing team take the long walk up to Sir Alan's boardroom where he waits in judgement to dole out the final and undisputable words to the one candidate he expels each week... 'You're fired!'

But what is Sir Alan looking for in his apprentice? Someone with a cultured and public school upbringing, or an astute streetwise entrepreneur? The would-be apprentices come from all walks of life and cover the spectrum of experience and education. Who will shine out in Sugar's eyes?

Throughout the series, the candidates live together in a luxury 8-bedroom mansion on the banks of the Thames and experience a taste of the high life they aspire to. The tasks will continue until the last man or woman standing becomes Sir Alan's Apprentice.

May 2005

Twelve weeks ago fourteen aspiring entrepreneurs embarked on a path that would potentially lead them to fame and fortune…with the added bonus of a six-figure salary with one of the UK's leading businessmen, Sir Alan Sugar.

Now in its final week, there are only two candidates remaining - Tim and Saira. Each of them has at some stage faced the wrath of Sir Alan, but somehow managed to survive.

You'll either love or hate the candidates - there is no middle ground anymore…who will you follow?

Saira Khan: the 34 year old self proclaimed 'Gobby Cow' who has a passion for selling and wants to show the world that Asian women can make it in business!

Tim: the 26-year old charming and cool Transport Manager, who hopes to teach Sir Alan a thing or two

Make sure you don't miss the gripping final week of The Apprentice on BBC2, and see what it takes to grab Sir Alan Sugar's attention.

WHO IS THE REAL STAR OF THE APPRENTICE? - 5th May 2005

Wednesday 3rd May saw the climax of the highly anticipated final episode of The Apprentice, with the two finalists Tim and Saira waiting to hear the memorable words 'You're Hired' from business tycoon Sir Alan Sugar.

Saira Khan is the 34 year old self proclaimed 'Gobby Cow' who has a passion for selling and wants to show the world that Asian women can make it in business!
And Tim Campbell is the 27-year old charming and cool Transport Manager, who hopes to learn a thing or two from Sir Alan.

Over the course of the show Saira and Tim displayed their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to business. Both contestants proved to have great skills, which were highly noted with Sir Alan's right hand people who shadowed the two over the fourteen weeks.

In the final show they came head to head in the last ever task. They each had two days to plan an up-market event, recruit all necessary staff and theme a venue. They were also given the opportunity to pick three of the fired contestants to work with them to help make the event a success.

Tim chose the theme of a fashion show while Saira went with a Californian feel to her boat party. Both events managed to pull in a crowd but the profit generated on the night decided who won the last task. At the end of it Saira made a huge profit while Tim made a huge loss. This just proved how good she is.

But this result was not to be the ultimate decider in the final choice made by Sir Alan Sugar. He made his mind up on the basis of both contestants overall performance for the twelve weeks. It was a very tough decision to make, but Sir Alan chose Tim as his apprentice.

Saira Khan may not have won, but she was definitely the star of the show. Each week she has made her mark, positive or negative there is no doubt that she has got the whole country talking about her.

Even though Saira didn't get the job of The Apprentice she has left people wanting her more, including Sir Alan who offered her a job within his company as she made a great impression on him.

But now the world is Saira's oyster! The Apprentice has been a fantastic opportunity as it has opened many doors for her and she is willing to explore different avenues on a professional level. Will she make a stand in the world of media and politics or will she continue in her role as a well-known sales woman? Watch this space!