The popular BBC show The Apprentice is racing towards its finale with only three weeks left in the competition, and one contestant is making waves. Mia Collins, a 25-year-old meal prep entrepreneur from Cheltenham, has captured the attention of viewers and judges alike. Dubbed the 'silent assassin' by Lord Sugar, Mia has proven herself a formidable contender, showcasing her culinary skills and business acumen throughout the series.
Mia's journey on The Apprentice has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the start of the 19th series, she has avoided elimination, racking up multiple wins in various challenges. In an exclusive interview with Gloucestershire Live, Mia reflected on her performance and the label given to her by Lord Sugar. "I think, as you've seen, my delivery can be quite direct. I'm very to the point. And I think that works well in the business world. I don't necessarily know why I was called a silent assassin, but we're rolling into week nine now, and I'm still here. So, I can only see it as a good thing," she stated.
As the competition heats up, contestants face mentally and physically demanding tasks, all while navigating the unpredictable dynamics of teamwork. Mia's competitive spirit is evident; she openly admits in her introduction segment that "her level of competitiveness is disgusting." This drive stems from her background in bodybuilding, where she honed her work ethic and focus on long-term goals.
Before stepping into the boardroom, Mia was dedicated to bodybuilding, spending years training in the gym. "I'd been training in the gym for a few years, and I felt like the range of equipment that was offered in my old gym just wasn't sufficient anymore. I wanted to try to elevate my training style and muscle mass," she explained. This commitment to personal excellence has translated into her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Mia's academic background also supports her culinary ambitions. She studied catering for her GCSEs and food science for her A-levels, consistently achieving top marks in her coursework. Her first job as a baker at the Boston Tea Party in Cheltenham laid the foundation for her current meal prep business. "I remember I took in my GCSE coursework as my CV, and that was it. And I got the job," she recalled.
If she wins The Apprentice, Mia plans to launch a fully catered meal prep service, focusing on healthy, balanced meals tailored for fitness enthusiasts. "It’s healthy, balanced food designed and prepared by a bodybuilder—ideal for those with fitness and nutrition goals," she described enthusiastically.
While Mia shines in food-related challenges, she also enjoys the sales tasks, which she described as feeling like a treat rather than a chore. "It feels like a treat more than a task," she expressed to Lord Sugar during a recent episode.
As contestants navigate the competitive landscape of the show, they often form strong bonds. Despite the fierce competition, Mia noted that friendships flourish outside the boardroom. "You make friends for life, we all speak very regularly. We see each other every single week. And you leave it in the boardroom because it's a competition, and if it's not them, it's you at risk," she said.
In contrast to Mia's journey, another contestant, Jordan Dargan, has also caught the audience's eye. The youngest candidate this year, Jordan hails from Dublin and is an animation entrepreneur. As the show nears its ninth episode, he aims to prove that "age is just a number and location is just a time zone." Although he has yet to be a project manager, his innovative ideas have impressed viewers and Lord Sugar's aides.
Jordan has collaborated with a rapidly growing men's jewelry brand, which garnered over 3 million views on social media. He is determined to expand his business, envisioning a future where he transforms his "one-man band into an orchestra of the world's most talented 3D artists." In his own words, Jordan stated, "I will out-work, out-smart, and out-perform anyone Lord Sugar puts in front of me."
As the competition progresses, the stakes are high, with Lord Sugar's grandson, Joe Baron, set to make a rare public appearance alongside his grandfather during an upcoming episode. Joe, the managing director of Amstrad Digital, will judge the contestants' sales efforts in a live TV challenge. A source revealed, "Alan is very proud of Joe, who is already making a name for himself in the business world. They make such a great duo on screen together and both jumped at the chance to appear together in the episode."
As the contestants prepare for the next challenge, they are keenly aware of the pressure to impress Lord Sugar. The competition has evolved since its inception in 2005, shifting from offering a job to providing a £250,000 investment and mentorship to the winner. Over the years, many winners have moved on to successful careers, although not all have maintained their partnerships with Lord Sugar.
For instance, Tim Campbell, the first series winner, secured a position at Lord Sugar's company Amstrad but left after two years to pursue his own ventures. Similarly, Mark Wright, who won in 2014, used his investment to establish a successful digital marketing agency but parted ways with Lord Sugar in 2022, selling his business for an estimated £10 million.
As the finale approaches, the excitement surrounding The Apprentice continues to build. Viewers are eager to see who will ultimately secure Lord Sugar's investment and mentorship. With strong contenders like Mia Collins and Jordan Dargan, the competition promises to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected twists.
Fans can catch all the action on BBC One every Thursday at 9 PM or stream episodes on BBC iPlayer. As the remaining contestants vie for victory, the question remains: who will rise to the top and claim the coveted prize?
