Karishma Vijay Crowned Winner of The Apprentice 2024
Karishma Vijay was declared the winner of The Apprentice on Thursday, securing Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment after a tense finale against Pascha Myhill. The 28-year-old influencer and beauty brand owner expressed eternal gratitude for the opportunity, crediting the show with transforming her life after hitting rock bottom. She becomes the 21st winner of the long-running series, which has seen investments in diverse ventures from sweet brands to recruitment agencies.
Winning The Apprentice: Only the Beginning
However, victory on the show often marks just the start of a complex journey. Over the years, numerous winners have opted to part ways with Lord Sugar, citing clashes or financial security concerns. Interestingly, some runners-up have achieved greater success than the winners themselves. This article delves into the stories of those who cut ties with the business mogul.
Michelle Dewberry: Season 2 Winner
Michelle Dewberry, who grew up on a council estate in Hull, won in 2006 when the prize was a job offer. She accepted a £100,000 role at Xenon Green but left before her 12-month contract ended, stating it wasn't what it said on the tin. Lord Sugar later expressed regret over choosing her instead of runner-up Ruth Badger. Michelle faced personal heartache during this period, suffering a miscarriage while dating fellow contestant Syed Ahmed. Today, she is a presenter on GB News.
Yasmina Siadatan: Season 5 Winner
Yasmina Siadatan won in 2009 and worked at Lord Sugar's Amscreen Healthcare. After becoming pregnant, she took maternity leave and later decided not to return, opting to work with Dragons' Den star James Caan instead. Lord Sugar acknowledged that family must come first, leaving the door open for her return.
Stella English: Season 6 Winner
Stella English, an investment banker, won in 2010 and was placed at Viglen IT. She described herself as an overpaid lackey and claimed she was forced to resign after 12 months. Her constructive dismissal case was dismissed by a tribunal, with Lord Sugar stating her reputation was in tatters. She later worked at HP and hosted Crowdbox TV.
Tom Pellereau: Season 7 Winner
Tom Pellereau was the first to receive a £250,000 investment in 2011, leading to the tech-beauty venture StylPro. After 14 years, he bought out Lord Sugar's stake, taking full ownership. Both praised their partnership, with Lord Sugar noting Tom's growth from a naïve inventor to a successful entrepreneur.
Joseph Valente: Season 11 Winner
Joseph Valente won in 2015 with his plumbing business ImpraGas. He became the first to buy Lord Sugar out but faced challenges, selling half his business and closing the other due to Brexit impacts. He later founded Trade Mastermind, offering advice to construction businesses.
Alana Spencer: Season 12 Winner
Alana Spencer received investment for her baking business Ridiculously Rich in 2016. Three years later, she bought back Lord Sugar's shares to become sole owner, expressing gratitude for his guidance while seeking independence.
James White: Season 13 Co-Winner
In 2017, Lord Sugar appointed two winners: James White and Sarah Lynn. James used his investment for Right Time Recruitment, which later went into liquidation. Reports suggest a fallout with Lord Sugar over a separate business venture. In contrast, Sarah's Sweets in the City thrived in major retailers.
Sian Gabbidon: Season 14 Winner
Sian Gabbidon won in 2018 for her swimwear company. Lord Sugar stepped down as director in 2022, with Sian citing a desire for independence and new ventures as reasons for the amicable separation.
Carina Lepore: Season 15 Winner
Carina Lepore won in 2019 with Dough Artisan Bakehouse. By 2023, Lord Sugar exited as director, with both parties agreeing it was the right move for the business. Carina emphasized her focus was always on winning, not fame.
Harpreet Kaur: Season 16 Winner
Harpreet Kaur won in 2022 for her dessert parlour Oh So Yum. She left the business a year after Lord Sugar's departure, and it later went into liquidation. Harpreet has since launched a dating app, IntroYou, with her husband.
Runners-Up Who Thrived
Some runners-up found greater success post-show. Luisa Zissman, who lost in 2013, built a media career with a large Instagram following and a podcast. Saira Khan, runner-up in 2005, launched a baby products company and became a TV personality, including on Loose Women.
In summary, while The Apprentice offers a lucrative start, the path after victory varies widely, with many winners seeking new directions beyond Lord Sugar's partnership.
