Top News

During this evening's instalment of The Apprentice on BBC One, the candidates were tasked with making a children's picture book. One group decided to embrace toilet humour, focusing on faeces, while the other team tried to stand out from the crowd with a zebra-themed story. However, just moments into the episode, viewers lashed out on X, issuing the same complaint as the candidates clashed over their projects.

One said: "This is an utter shambles right now." Meanwhile, another noted: "I usually really enjoy these series, but this year is absolutely shocking #TheApprentice." Another fumed: "This is the worst CAST in apprentice history, not a single person you can root for, just 20 thick people." A fourth remarked: "Every year it's the same stupidness. 'I've got a kid, so I'll be good at leading a team to write a book' How do these d**kheads manage to make a living #TheApprentice?"

Despite the backlash, other viewers appeared to enjoy the drama-filled episode, which saw many of the candidates clash over their books. One said: "They all hate each other. Brilliant!" Another said: "I'm convinced the apprentice is just one big humiliation ritual this series!"

In the end, it was the all-female team that narrowly won after an awkward pitching scenario, meaning at least one of the men would be sent packing by Lord Alan Sugar.

Kieran, Dan, Marcus and Priyesh were all at risk of being fired during a tense meeting around the boardroom with Lord Sugar, Tim Campbell and Baroness Karren Brady.

"Keiran, I think it is regretful that there is an attitude about you; having said that, I am going to conclude today that Marcus, you're fired," Lord Sugar said as he made his decision.

"Now you three have got to up your game," he warned a shocked Dan, Keiran and Priyesh before they went back to the main house to be reunited with the other candidates.

"I think Marcus spoke too much in there," Keiran said when he was surrounded by the rest of the team.

The Apprentice continues on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.