Apprentice Candidate's Peculiar Superstition Exposed
One of the remaining semi-finalists on BBC One's business competition The Apprentice has publicly disclosed the strange superstition he maintained throughout his time on the show. Lawrence Rosenberg, alongside fellow candidates, appeared on This Morning on Thursday, April 9, to discuss the upcoming semi-final episode and share behind-the-scenes insights.
Empty Suitcase Ritual Revealed
During the interview with hosts Joel Dommett and Rochelle Humes, along with former Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, conversation shifted to Lawrence's bizarre pre-boardroom habit. The 28-year-old admitted that he consistently brought an empty suitcase with him each week, containing only a packet of prawn cocktail crisps as a snack.
"I heard that Dean Franklin, who won the series last year, didn't bring a suitcase with anything in it each week," Lawrence explained. "I had a packet of prawn cocktail crisps and that's it. That was all that was in it, and I kept eating the prawn cocktail crisps so there was never anything in it."
He elaborated on his superstitious mindset, stating, "I'm so superstitious I was like, 'The one week I pack my stuff, I'll go home', so I just had to keep running it. Once I didn't get fired the first time doing it, it had to be the empty suitcase."
This practice contrasts with the typical protocol where candidates pack their suitcases in preparation for potential elimination, with cameras often following fired contestants as they depart with their luggage.
Emotional Interview Moment
The article also highlights a poignant moment from the tense interview stage of the competition. Beauty brand owner Karishma Vijay, one of the final five candidates vying for Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment, shared an emotional story with interviewer Claudine Collins.
When asked about her motivation, Karishma revealed, "My dad was, at one point, a very financially stable man. Now we have very little to get through each month. It's why I'm here, because for me, at the core of my business plan is rent is due on the 22nd. Today - my rent is due today."
She continued, "It's been my thought and it's sad for me that we're moving every six months. Money is just such a big issue for us right now. But I want to give him the world. Everything I do, my dad's at the very core of it. I want to do him very proud in this life."
Claudine was visibly moved by Karishma's words, responding, "Karishma, I think that your dad and your family would be so proud of you. And I wish you all the best." After Karishma left the room, footage showed Claudine wiping tears from her eyes following the heartfelt exchange.
Dramatic Exit and Reflections
In another development, contestant Kieran McCartney made a sensational exit from the series after a "win or walk" agreement with Lord Sugar backfired. The 27-year-old had faced consecutive task failures and struck a deal with the business mogul, promising to leave if he lost as project manager in task ten.
Lord Sugar granted the request but warned, "You wanted to be project manager, you've got it. The bad news is, it's got nothing to do with selling houses." Kieran stood firm, replying, "If I lose, I'll walk."
However, when his cat product failed to attract sales in the challenge, Kieran was eliminated. Reflecting on his departure, he said, "It was win or walk. I'm not a beg. I'm not going to beg for my place, a deal's a deal and Lord Sugar hasn't seen the last of me."
He added, "I think I am quite loud and out there and I am quite an easy person to blame if it all goes wrong because I put my ideas out, whereas some people don't get noticed as much. I could have stayed if I had fought for my spot."
Alongside Kieran, teammate Rothna Akhtar was also fired from the process. Rothna, who confessed to a fear of animals, expressed disappointment but relief, stating, "It was gut-wrenching when you're so close to making final five."
The Apprentice continues with its semi-final episode, airing tonight at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer, as the competition intensifies towards the final.
