Max England, a former professional tennis player turned entrepreneur, was fired from the BBC’s reality show The Apprentice after a disappointing performance in the latest task, which involved TV shopping. The episode aired on March 27, 2025, and marked a significant moment in the competition as England faced the boardroom alongside fellow contestants Dean Franklin and Chisola Chitambala.
During the TV shopping challenge, the candidates were tasked with selecting and pitching products live to viewers. England, who served as project manager, made some unfortunate product choices, including a picnic blanket and an inflatable kayak, which ultimately led to his dismissal by Lord Alan Sugar. England reflected on the experience, stating, "I’m very sad I’m out. I’m really proud of how I was in the whole process, how I conducted myself, and I really felt like I had a shot of going all the way but I didn’t quite get there in the end."
England believed that any of the four candidates could have faced elimination, citing that they all made mistakes. He expressed disappointment that his team missed out on securing an air fryer, which he felt would have been a strong selling point. Instead, the team ended up with a product they struggled to sell, the handy light mitt, which Lord Sugar criticized heavily.
Reflecting on his choices, England admitted, "I probably wouldn’t choose the outdoors category again. In my mind, I was hoping for a lawnmower or a barbecue or a high-value item that was quite relatable but that unfortunately wasn’t an option and the next best thing was a kayak!" He took responsibility for the decisions made during the task, stating, "I had to put my hands up and look — I’m responsible as the leader."
As the project manager, England selected Franklin and Chisola to join him in the boardroom. He noted that the competition was fierce, especially after the previous week’s double elimination, which made the stakes even higher. "It was a tough task. We were quite close to getting the win," he said. His team’s failure to connect with the audience during the live selling segment was a critical factor in their loss.
In the boardroom, Lord Sugar expressed dissatisfaction with the product choices, particularly the inflatable kayak, which he deemed "too niche" for the general public. England and his team struggled to articulate the benefits of their products, leading to a lackluster performance. England noted that he and Dean had devised a strategy to minimize airtime for the picnic blanket, recognizing it as a low-value item, and instead focused on other products that they believed would resonate better with viewers.
Despite the outcome, England remains optimistic about his future in business. He has launched a brand of padel rackets and is looking to open premium padel centers. "Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world. My business plan is to open a padel center, and who is a better person to try and do that with than Lord Sugar?" he stated. Although he did not secure Lord Sugar as an investor, he is still actively seeking funding for his venture.
England’s experience on The Apprentice has not only been a test of his business acumen but also a personal challenge. He shared that he got married just two weeks before filming began and had to navigate the difficulties of being away from his new wife during the competition. "It was quite a challenge. She’s class. She understood it. I got her blessing before – let’s put it that way!" he explained, acknowledging the strain that the competition placed on his personal life.
As the competition progresses, England’s exit marks a pivotal moment for the remaining candidates, who are now under increased pressure to impress Lord Sugar. The show continues to air Thursdays at 9 PM on BBC One and is available for streaming on iPlayer. England’s story serves as a reminder of the intense challenges faced by contestants on the show, where every decision can lead to success or elimination.
In summary, Max England’s journey on The Apprentice has been filled with highs and lows, ultimately culminating in his dismissal after a tough week of challenges. His commitment to his business goals remains strong, and he looks forward to the future, even as he reflects on the lessons learned from his time in the boardroom.
