Dean Franklin has emerged victorious in the 2025 season of The Apprentice, defeating Anisa Khan to become Lord Sugar's new business partner. The finale, which aired on April 17, 2025, showcased intense competition as both finalists presented their business ideas in a bid for a £250,000 investment.
The 34-year-old air conditioning business owner, Franklin, celebrated his win, stating, "I can't believe I've just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon." His journey to the top was not without hurdles, including a rather embarrassing moment during the interview stage when he was confronted about a questionable social media post featuring a sex toy attached to an AC unit.
In the final, the two competitors were tasked with launching their businesses, creating new brands, and producing advertising campaigns to pitch to Lord Sugar and a panel of industry experts. Franklin created his brand, Domesticool, while Khan developed Zaal Pizza, an Indian-Italian fusion concept. They enlisted the help of former contestants to enhance their campaigns, with Franklin’s team including Liam Snellin, and Khan working with Amber-Rose Badrudin.
The competition was fierce, and both candidates faced significant challenges. Khan's Zaal Pizza aimed to establish ten new dark kitchens over the next five years. In contrast, Franklin expressed his desire to expand his air conditioning business. Lord Sugar emphasized the importance of scalability, stating, "No disrespect to you or you, but profits of £20,000 or £30,000 a year, is of no interest to me. I'm looking for big business." This sentiment underscored the high stakes of the competition.
During their pitches, Khan showcased her pizzas, which she claimed could satisfy cravings for both curry and pizza, while Franklin presented a virtual showroom that allowed customers to visualize air conditioning units in their homes. His pitch, set to the tune of "Daddy Cool" by Boney M, garnered a mixed reaction from Lord Sugar, who humorously remarked, "Oh God!" as he watched Franklin's advertisement unfold.
Franklin's initial advertisement featured a comedic skit that did not resonate well with the judges, prompting him to refocus on the primary use of air conditioning. After some adjustments, his final presentation emphasized the convenience and speed of installation for potential customers. Khan, on the other hand, directed her advertisement at a football ground, where her team showcased the enjoyment of her pizzas among fans.
As the pitches concluded, Lord Sugar expressed concerns about Khan's dark kitchen business model, noting the challenges of attracting customers without a storefront. Industry expert Thom Elliot pointed out that dark kitchens are "a hard place to build a brand," but praised Khan's unique offering as a significant advantage in a competitive market.
In the final boardroom showdown, Lord Sugar praised both finalists for their efforts but ultimately decided on Franklin, stating, "Dean, through the process you've been quite good. There have been a few rocky moments where you remained in it by the skin of your teeth, but do I have the confidence in the residential market?" He compared the two business models, emphasizing the necessity of food in everyday life.
As the announcement was made, Lord Sugar declared, "Giving it deep consideration, I'm going to say that Dean, you're going to be my business partner," solidifying Franklin's victory. The decision was not taken lightly, as Lord Sugar acknowledged the strengths of both candidates, remarking on the tough choice he had to make.
Following the announcement, Franklin expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support he received throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Khan reflected on her journey, proud of her product despite the loss. She emphasized her confidence in the quality of her pizzas, stating, "What I'm proud about is my product, my pizzas taste great and I'm confident with that."
The finale of The Apprentice 2025 marked a significant milestone, celebrating the show's 20th year on air. As the competition concluded, viewers were left with memorable moments, including the awkward interview process where Franklin faced scrutiny over his social media mishap. This year's season was filled with drama, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success.
As the dust settles on the latest season, both Franklin and Khan have showcased their talents, leaving audiences eager for what the future holds for these budding entrepreneurs. With Lord Sugar's investment, Franklin is set to take his air conditioning business to new heights, while Khan's innovative pizza concept has the potential to carve out a niche in a crowded market.
