Karishma Vijay Crowned Winner of The Apprentice 2026
Beauty business owner Karishma Vijay has been officially named the winner of The Apprentice 2026, securing a substantial £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar. The 28-year-old entrepreneur triumphed in a historic all-female final, marking a significant milestone for the 20th series of the long-running BBC reality competition.
An All-Female Final Showdown
Vijay faced off against recruitment consultant Pascha Myhill in the climactic final episode, which aired on Thursday 16 April 2026. Both finalists were tasked with developing a comprehensive brand and advertising campaign for their respective business ideas, presenting their strategies to Lord Sugar and a panel of industry experts. The intense competition highlighted their entrepreneurial skills and vision under pressure.
Lord Sugar praised Vijay's entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering hard work throughout the series, expressing strong confidence in their future partnership within the competitive cosmetics industry. "Her dedication and innovative approach stood out," Lord Sugar remarked, emphasising his belief in the potential of her beauty venture.
Expanding Kishkin to Global Markets
Following her victory, Karishma Vijay shared her excitement about leveraging the investment to significantly grow her existing beauty business, Kishkin. She outlined ambitious plans to achieve a global presence, targeting major retailers worldwide and expanding the brand's reach beyond current markets. "This investment is a game-changer for Kishkin," Vijay stated, highlighting her vision for international growth and market penetration.
The Apprentice 2026 has been celebrated for its dynamic format and high-stakes challenges, with this series particularly notable for featuring an all-female final. The show continues to be a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and secure life-changing opportunities in the business world.
