Tonight, millions of viewers around the country will find out the answer to a 12-week-long question – who will be Lord Alan Sugar’s next business partner? Hit BBC Show The Apprentice reaches its conclusion tonight, with Bombay Pizza boss Anisa Khan taking on ADL Air Conditioning co-owner Dean Franklin in the highly-anticipated final. The duo has beat off competition from a total of 16 candidates to get to this point and will now face off to win Lord Sugar’s mentorship and £250,000 investment. But who will be victorious?
In the final showdown, Anisa Khan, 26, will battle against 25-year-old Dean Franklin. Khan, who runs Bombay Pizza, aims to expand her business by opening more dark kitchens in high-demand areas, while Franklin, the owner of ADL Air Conditioning based in Upminster, plans to grow his air conditioning company, which supplies and installs units in homes and commercial properties.
Both finalists have had their share of ups and downs throughout the competition. Franklin has a total of seven wins and four losses, while Khan has three wins and eight losses. They both faced the boardroom multiple times, with Franklin being brought back four times and Khan also facing the boardroom on four occasions.
Dean Franklin’s journey in the competition has been marked by his charm and business acumen. He has only served as project manager once, winning that task, and his high point came in week three when he led his team to victory in a sales-based task. However, he also faced a low point recently when a prank involving a sex toy left him red-faced during last week’s episode.
Franklin's business, ADL Air Conditioning, has been recognized for its success, winning the Best Tradesperson Award at the 2023 Havering Small Business Awards. He has expressed his intention to use a significant portion of Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment to open a new showroom, although Lord Sugar has questioned the viability of this approach.
Meanwhile, Anisa Khan has made her mark as a formidable competitor. She has taken on the role of project manager twice, winning one of those tasks. Her high point in the competition came in week 11 when she received glowing reviews for her pizza from the notoriously tough judge Mike Soutar, who gave her creation a five-star rating. However, Khan faced a tough stretch, being on the losing team for six consecutive weeks between weeks three and eight.
Reflecting on her journey, Khan shared her aspirations on Instagram, stating, "I grew up thinking I’d always have a corporate career. Coming from an academic background, it felt like the 'right' path. And I did it — but I realised what I really wanted was freedom, flexibility, and to build something of my own." She emphasized her desire to create a life where she can be present for her future children, saying, "I want to be a rich, flexible mum who’s built her own empire — not just for myself, but for my family too."
As the two contestants prepare for the final, the stakes are high. Lord Sugar’s decision will be based not only on their final task but also on their overall performance throughout the series. The final task will be crucial in determining who will walk away with the coveted investment.
Interestingly, The Apprentice has two filmed endings for the final. This was done to maintain the suspense surrounding the winner's identity until the show airs. According to reports, even the production team is kept in the dark until the final decision is made. The finalists were informed of the outcome on the day of filming the post-show special, You're Hired, which took place about a week before the finale airs.
Former winner Marnie Swindells, who is now Lord Sugar's business partner for Bronx Boxing Club, commented on this unique approach, stating, "There is an element of surprise where we don't know [who has won] until a little bit later." This secrecy adds an extra layer of excitement for both the contestants and the viewers.
Baroness Karren Brady, a long-time advisor on the show, praised its authenticity, stating, "Alan's done it, he's been successful, he's honest, he's straight to the point, he's candid, he's unscripted and he's authentic. And I think people really like that." This authenticity is a key element that has contributed to the show's enduring popularity.
The final of The Apprentice is set to air at 9 PM on BBC One tonight, and viewers are eager to see who will emerge victorious. With both Khan and Franklin showcasing their strengths throughout the competition, it promises to be an exciting conclusion to this season.
As the clock ticks down to the finale, the anticipation builds. Who will win Lord Sugar's mentorship and the life-changing £250,000 investment? Tonight's episode will finally reveal the answer, as millions tune in to witness the culmination of a grueling competition filled with ambition, challenges, and the quest for entrepreneurial success.
