BBC The Apprentice descends into chaos as three candidates break down in tears

Things are heating up in the boardroom as the remaining candidates race to win Lord Sugar's investment

Mark Jefferies Showbiz Editor and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor

11:48, 03 Apr 2025

The Apprentice season 19 promo shot featuring cast and Lord Sugar in the foreground

Emotions are running high as The Apprentice nears its conclusion(Image: BBC)

Competition on The Apprentice heats up as emotions spill over in the boardroom, with three candidates breaking down in tears this week.

The hopefuls are challenged to create an eco-friendly, sustainable fashion label, complete with a collection and brand, culminating in a fashion show for potential buyers. All the remaining participants are vying for a spot in next week's semi-final, where they'll face rigorous scrutiny of their CVs and business plans by Lord Sugar's tough-talking associates.

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However, the pressure mounts and not everything goes smoothly, leading to heightened emotions. A BBC insider revealed: "It is not the first time there have been tears in the boardroom and people do get emotional but to have three different candidates crying is a first.

"They are crying for a variety of reasons but it shows just how much it means to some of them to win this investment from Lord Sugar. The contestants are all eager to make it into his final five, and some don't hesitate to stand their ground or even interrupt Lord Sugar."

In the episode, one team takes a bold approach with a men's skirt included in their range, while the other team might be playing it too safe, reports the Mirror.

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Baroness Karren Brady, Lord Alan Sugar, Tim Campbell MBE in a promo shot for series 19 of The Apprentice

Lord Sugar and Baroness Karren Brady had very blunt feedback for the contestants(Image: BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston/Rufina Breskin)

Karren Brady, one of Lord Sugar's advisors, labels her team's designs as "borderline boring", while Tim Campbell on the opposing side considers "the designs are niche".

Perhaps the most cutting remarks of the episode come when Lord Sugar takes aim at Tim over his choice of a bright blue suit.

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Lord Sugar couldn't help but poke fun at a particularly flamboyant attire, asking whether it's being donned as part of a wager and comparing it to an outfit fit for a Smurf.

He also quipped: "Pontins want their jacket back." Unruffled by the remarks, Tim stands his ground, responding: "They can't have it."

But Tim's suit is not the worst fashion faux pas the episode showcases. The list of dubious style choices features clothing repurposed from an old parachute, and "scrunch bum" leggings that aren't as flattering as they ought to be for possible consumers.

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Lord Sugar in a grey suit sat in a chair in an interview.

Lord Sugar will continue in his role on The Apprentice for the forseeable future(Image: BBC)

In just a fortnight's time, the competition's winner will be revealed, bagging Lord Sugar's hefty investment of £250,000 into their venture.

Last month marked another commitment by Lord Sugar to The Apprentice, as he inked a fresh three-year agreement to maintain his presence on the show.

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Already bound to oversee the 20th instalment next year, Lord Sugar confirms his plans to front three additional seasons, which ensures that even in his 80s, he'll still be delivering the iconic line, "You're fired."

The business magnate, who is 77, disclosed the extension during a discussion with BBC journalist Amol Rajan.