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Karren Brady Confesses to Difficulty Keeping a Straight Face as Apprentice Contestants Botch Challenges

Bintano
13 Min Read

Baroness Karren Brady admitted that trying to keep a straight face is chaos when the show’s contestants make a mess of a challenge.

The Apprentice star, 54, stepped out on Thursday’s This Morning after the BBC show saw a hapless team use crumble mix to make fish cakes.

Shocked by the team’s awkward mistake, This Morning presenters Rochelle Humes, 34, and Rylan Clark, 35, asked the motivational speaker how she keeps it together.

Rylan asked her: ‘Do you ever not go, what are you doing?’ 

Smirking, Karren admitted: ‘Well I think it was total chaos. 

Baroness Karren Brady told This Morning on Thursday how hard it is to try to keep a straight face is chaos when the show's contestants make a mess after the BBC show sees a team use crumble to make fish cakes

Baroness Karren Brady told This Morning on Thursday how hard it is to try to keep a straight face is chaos when the show’s contestants make a mess after the BBC show sees a team use crumble to make fish cakes

The Apprentice star, 54, stepped out on Thursday's This Morning after the BBC show, which is fronted by Alan Sugar, saw one of the most awkward mistakes made on the competition

The Apprentice star, 54, stepped out on Thursday’s This Morning after the BBC show, which is fronted by Alan Sugar, saw one of the most awkward mistakes made on the competition

Rylan chimed in: ‘There it is, the Karren face, the Karren face. The face of fear,’ as a clip of her on The Apprentice trying to guide a team to the finish line was shown. 

The business executive, who was joined on the show by fellow star Tim Campbell, 46, then admitted that her ‘Karren face’ is actually her look of exasperation.

It comes as Lord Sugar is currently on the hunt for his next ‘big time’ business partner and someone that is going to make him millions.

And after whittling down thousands of applications and holding countrywide auditions, the mogul, 76, was horrified to discover that his latest recruits had made him a financial loss during the show’s first task.

The 18 candidates are challenged with hosting a luxury away day in the Scottish Highlands but the paying customers are left far from satisfied.

An embarrassing cock-up in the kitchen resulted in one team garnishing fish cakes in sweet crumble instead of breadcrumbs as the rival group served up cold food 45 minutes after it had left the oven.

The mistakes didn’t go unnoticed by Lord Sugar’s trusted aides Karren and Tim who shuddered with pity over the contestant’s shambolic efforts.

Split into men and women’s teams, Karren, who oversaw the females, said the fish cakes were one of the worst things she had ever tasted. 

Shocked by the team's awkward mistake, This Morning presenters Rochelle Humes , 34, and Rylan Clark , 35, asked the motivational speaker to show she keeps it together

Shocked by the team’s awkward mistake, This Morning presenters Rochelle Humes , 34, and Rylan Clark , 35, asked the motivational speaker to show she keeps it together

The business executive, who was joined on the show by fellow star Tim Campbell, 46, then admitted that her 'Karren face' is actually her look of exasperation

The business executive, who was joined on the show by fellow star Tim Campbell, 46, then admitted that her ‘Karren face’ is actually her look of exasperation

It comes as Lord Sugar, (pictured) is on the hunt for his next 'big time' business partner and someone that is going to make him millions

It comes as Lord Sugar, (pictured) is on the hunt for his next ‘big time’ business partner and someone that is going to make him millions 

The 18 candidates are challenged with hosting a luxury away day in the Scottish Highlands but the paying customers are left far from satisfied

The 18 candidates are challenged with hosting a luxury away day in the Scottish Highlands but the paying customers are left far from satisfied

An embarrassing cock-up in the kitchen resulted in one team garnishing fish cakes in sweet crumble instead of breadcrumbs

An embarrassing cock-up in the kitchen resulted in one team garnishing fish cakes in sweet crumble instead of breadcrumbs 

She added: ‘It’s obviously crumble on a fishcake… it is disgusting.’

Lord Sugar, who’s been at the helm of the BBC show for the past 18 years, says the useless display from the candidates is the reason why he doesn’t oversee the tasks himself. 

He said: ‘I will leave that to Karren and Tim… it was a tough one but if I was there, I would probably have had to jump in and do the cooking.’

The billionaire remarked that watching the mistakes from the under pressure contestants unravel was like ‘seeing your mother in law drive your Ferrari over a cliff.’

There were even more failings in the kitchen from the men, who despite being led by pie company owner Phil Turner, served up stone cold sausages.

Sales executive Oliver Medforth appeared to shock himself after forgetting to include the flour while making a batch of brownies for dessert – having to start over again.

Instead of their ‘welcome drink’ being a glass of bubbles, they gave guests tap water.

And time overran during the abseiling part of the task to such an extent that project manager Virdi Singh Mazaria left his paying customers with just four minutes to enjoy a half hour long Scottish country dance lesson – because they had to get the train home.

Sales executive Oliver Medforth appeared to shock himself after forgetting to include the flour while making a batch of brownies for dessert ¿ having to start over again

Sales executive Oliver Medforth appeared to shock himself after forgetting to include the flour while making a batch of brownies for dessert – having to start over again

Karren says seeing the candidates make mistakes is one of the reasons viewers love to watch the show and entrepreneurs even learn what to avoid when running their own businesses

Karren says seeing the candidates make mistakes is one of the reasons viewers love to watch the show and entrepreneurs even learn what to avoid when running their own businesses

Contestants including yoga company owner Onyeka Nweze, Maura Rath, Noor Bouziane, Raj Chohan and Sam Saadet (top row L-R) are competing for Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment

Contestants including yoga company owner Onyeka Nweze, Maura Rath, Noor Bouziane, Raj Chohan and Sam Saadet (top row L-R) are competing for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment

The most mortifying moment of the show’s first episode, which airs on Thursday night, came from recruitment director Jack Davies who had the audacity to ask disgruntled guests for a ‘tip’, which went down like a lead balloon. 

But Karren says seeing the candidates make mistakes is one of the reasons viewers love to watch the show – and entrepreneurs even learn what to avoid when running their own businesses. 

She said: ‘There’s no script in this show and everything that unfolds, unfolds, it’s authentic, it’s real.

‘Lots of people watch this show to see what to do in business and what not to do. As it unfolds, the viewers see it… there are no retakes.’

Once Lord Sugar has plucked out the weak from the strong contestants, they begin to thrive and finally put money in the bank.

Karren revealed this year’s crop earn the ‘greatest win in terms of value’ as they manage to impress the boss, who’s giving away £250,000 of his own money to the winner.

She said: ‘I’m talking millions… so some of them really come shining to the top.’

The Apprentice returns at 9pm on Thursday, February 1 on BBC One and iPlayer 

THE APPRENTICE 2024: MEET THE CANDIDATES

Amina Khan

80314877 13010429 Amina Khan Pharmacist and Business Owner a 91 1706282387440

Occupation: Pharmacist and Business Owner

Location: Ilford

Amina has been a qualified pharmacist for over a decade, in which time she has created a successful skincare and supplements business.  

Flo Edwards

80314873 13010429 Flo Edwards Recruitment Consultant a 93 1706282548566

Occupation: Recruitment Consultant

Location: London

Flo revealed that she started her own consultancy, making her ready to tackle Lord Sugar. 

Foluso Falade

80314907 13010429 image a 95 1706282612280

Occupation: Project Manager

Location: Manchester

Foluso brands herself the ‘Mary Poppins of business’ and revealed that her aim is to run the first Social Enterprise to win Lord Sugar’s investment.

Maura Rath

80314889 13010429 Maura Rath Owner Yoga Company a 97 1706282665054

Occupation: Owner, Yoga Company

Location: Wexford

Maura is taking the edge as a yoga teacher into her appearance. 

Noor Bouziane

80314875 13010429 Noor Bouziane Owner Jewellery Company a 98 1706282700129

Occupation: Owner, Jewellery Company

Location: Liverpool

Ambitious owner of a premium jewellery company Noor professed that she will generate a wealth of cash for Lord Sugar thanks to the unique nature of her business. 

Onyeka Nweze

80314913 13010429 Onyeka Nweze Chartered Company Secretary a 100 1706282728390

Occupation: Chartered Company Secretary

Location: London

Onyeka revealed her plan is to be the first tech business investment made by Lord Sugar in eighteen series.

Rachel Woolford

80314871 13010429 Rachel Woolford Boutique Fitness Studio Owner a 104 1706282793916

Occupation: Boutique Fitness Studio Owner

Location: Leeds

Business-minded from a very young age, Rachel has plenty of experience managing her work independently. As well as her hard work in the office, she also shares her fitness triumphs on social media including running the New York Marathon in 2019. 

Raj Chohan

80314903 13010429 Raj Chohan Mortgage Broker a 105 1706282813967

Occupation: Mortgage Broker

Location: Leamington Spa

Raj admits that while she is a grafter, she is determined to have fun while working – as illustrated on her fun-filled Instagram account. A self-confessed ‘dog with a bone’ when meeting her targets, she wants to hit a gap in the market and will do whatever it takes for success.

Sam Saadet

80314881 13010429 Sam Saadet Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach a 106 1706282826942

Occupation: Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach

Location: Essex

Sam revealed her friends call her a real Del Boy for being ‘part-wheeler dealer’ as well as her eye for a bargain. An online fitness coach with a focus on mums and mums-to-be, she’s hoping to prove her business brain to Lord Sugar.

 Dr. Asif Munaf

80314869 13010429 Dr Asif Munaf Owner Wellness Brand a 92 1706282514086

Occupation: Owner, Wellness Brand

Location: Sheffield

Asif boldly describes himself as ‘Beauty, brains, body and business’ on his CV. The qualified doctor’s business plan focuses on vitamins and supplements.

Jack Davies

80314895 13010429 Jack Davies Recruitment Director a 96 1706282637926

Occupation: Recruitment Director

Location: Bristol

As well as his work as a recruitment director, Jack also acts as a food reviewer, meaning he is ready with diverse knowledge and skills for challenges.

Oliver Medforth

80314899 13010429 Oliver Medforth Sales Executive a 99 1706282714226

Occupation: Sales Executive

Location: Yorkshire

Oliver’s background in selling at markets has him looking forward to the famous sales tasks. He is often seen plugging his wares on social media – particularly his gin range. 

Paul Bowen

80314909 13010429 Paul Bowen Director Pie Company a 101 1706282741705

Occupation: Director, Pie Company

Location: Lancashire

One of two pie company experts entering the process, Paul prides his business on big name clients such as Manchester City Football Club.

Dr. Paul Midha

80314891 13010429 Dr Paul Midha Owner Dental Group a 102 1706282765134

Occupation: Owner, Dental Group

Location: Leeds

Paul started his practice using every resource he had. Used to extensive learning from studying as a dentist, Paul is set on Lord Sugar’s investment and all that he can teach him about the world of business.

Phil Turner

80314879 13010429 Phil Turner Owner Pie Company a 103 1706282781527

Occupation: Owner, Pie Company

Location: Bognor Regis

Phil was awarded ‘Supreme Pie Champion’ in 2020 for his family-owned pie business, which dates back to the 1930s. He’s hoping to prove himself to Lord Sugar and start making him some real dough.

Steve Darken

80314905 13010429 Steve Darken Management Consultant a 107 1706282840503

Occupation: Management Consultant

Location: London

Steve claims that he shares Lord Sugar’s sharp mind and sense of humour. Consulting for ‘some of the biggest companies in the world’, he’s ready to take on the boardroom.

Tre Lowe

80314897 13010429 Tre Lowe Music Wellness Entrepreneur a 108 1706282857805

Occupation: Music & Wellness Entrepreneur

Location: London

Tre has had his previous tastes of fame, including in the UK garage band named Architechs. His Instagram account is a who’s who of the showbiz world, including snaps with Simon Cowell and Emily Ratajkowski. 

Virdi Singh Mazaria

80314901 13010429 Virdi Singh Mazaria Music Producer a 109 1706282872153

Occupation: Music Producer

Location: Leicester

DJ Virdi wants to introduce Lord Sugar to world he’s yet to invest in – music. His life is certainly filled with luxury as he shares frequent snaps on flash holidays and in front of pricey motors. 

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