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'Rough diamond' Lee McQueen has snatched Apprentice victory from Claire Young after what felt like the closest boardroom showdown in the programme's history.
We were disappointed that gutsy Claire didn't triumph as she once again proved herself to be a great team leader during the final task and she also helped to carry Lee through the difficult presentation and very tough Q&A section.
In the end, it seemed that Sir Alan felt that Lee was 'more convincing' in his determination to win the job and perhaps he sees Lee as the sort of chap who he can mould to fit into his organisation. Could anyone really mould Claire?
Although Claire managed to keep her mouth shut in the later stages of the series, perhaps Sir Alan just wasn't willing to take a chance on her in case the brash 'rottweiler' we saw in the early tasks returned. Also, we have an inkling that Lee needed to win the series more than Claire - we have a feeling that she will rise to the top without Sir Alan's help.
As for the final task, both teams' performances were pretty poor. Claire and Lee's winning Roulette fragrance 'for real men' was straight out of the 70s (they should just have called it Brut and had done with it). Meanwhile, the only innovative thing about Alex and Helene's fragrance was the bottle - and that was the designer's idea. We would have been interested to see the bottle they had come up with if they had gone along with the name Helene suggested for the fragrance - Girth.
Our highlights from the final episode were the return of the unintentionallly hilarious Kevn (someone give him his own series) and, of course, the long awaited and long overdue sacking of Alex. Hooray!
What did you think of the final? Would you have bought either team's fragrance? Did Lee deserve to win? Was Claire robbed? Let us know what you think...
Plus, watch interviews with some of the most memorable candidates:
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i think claire was robbed as she was by far the better apprentice than lee. She has more integrity, class, drive, ability and articulation than Lee. I believe Alan Sugar could see this and in some ways was a little frightened of her...but can also see that she will make it with or without him. Whereas Lee wouldnt. It was last chance saloon for him
Posted by: sam.savage1 on Thu Jun 12 09:35AM | Report abuseLee deserved to win, he won me over on the wedding task week the way he sold the thongs to women. Claire was very capable and consistent, she doesn't need Sir Alan to succeed. She reminds me of Ruth Badger, runner-up in 2006
Posted by: lzf on Thu Jun 12 09:36AM | Report abuseI think the lot of you should take a look at your own spelling and grammar before slating Lee McQueen. He deserved to win The Apprentice because he is a real grafter. Agreed, he made a mistake by lying on his CV but I see hundreds of CV's every single day in my line of business and the number of people who 'exaggerate' their skills, experience or education is really quite staggering. Also, despite his presentation insecurities, Lee improved 110% in the final through rehearsal and sheer determination. Good luck to you, Lee.
Posted by: sarah_neweyuk on Thu Jun 12 09:36AM | Report abusedespite who was good at marketing , sales team leadership or anything else, lucinda should have won ,she had the nicest boobs !
Posted by: vbrun32_dll on Thu Jun 12 09:38AM | Report abuseHe has an annoying voice. ANOTHER reason not to take him on! He'll disintegrate soon enough...
Posted by: uk_born_girl on Thu Jun 12 09:39AM | Report abuseClaire was a gobby cow who most peple hated. Strong women are good to business - but that does not mean that you have to shoot your mouth off! Claire was in the boardroom on more than one occasion - because the people that she worked with - who saw everything (not just what you see on the tv) - thought that she didn't have it. They couldn't work with her. If thats the case will she have the same problem elsewhere? I wouldn't work for her. The only woman I wuold have worked with was Jenny Maguire. Lee and Alex aswell as Simon were all good workers (except we ALL know how Alex is ''only 24'') Good luck to Lee, I think he'll go far. As for Claire, I think she will to - just maybe in a different industry
Posted by: chrissalter6430 on Thu Jun 12 09:41AM | Report abuseLee should not have won. He couoldnt even do a presentation in front of his own team. Claire would have been a better apprentice, but over all i thought they were all quite a poor bunch.
Posted by: lucindastead on Thu Jun 12 09:42AM | Report abuseMaybe Claire can get a job as Lee's assistant!
Posted by: sandy_clark_36 on Thu Jun 12 09:43AM | Report abuseNot impressed with SAS's decision. Lee is not a good example from his bad spelling, sloppy presentation, dishonesty and plenty of arrogance! Disappointing outcome. Sorry for Claire.
Posted by: juliedbaldwin on Thu Jun 12 09:44AM | Report abuseKevin has an i in it.... badly written article - did Lee write it?
Posted by: prbonner on Thu Jun 12 09:47AM | Report abuse