The Apprentice viewers were left split as the winner of the BBC show was announced.
The Apprentice fans were split as Dean Franklin emerged as Lord Sugar’s newest business partner, clinching victory in the latest instalment of the BBC One show.
After a gruelling 12-week contest, it came down to two hopefuls in the finale, yet only one could secure the coveted £250,000 investment from business magnate Lord Alan Sugar.
In the gripping final episode aired tonight (April 17), viewers watched as air conditioning entrepreneur Dean, aged 34, and Indian pizza fusion innovator Anisa Khan, aged 26, vied for the chance of a lifetime.
The pair were supported by returning contestants who came back to assist the finalists in their last challenge.
READ MORE: Celebrity Big Brother fans ‘only just realising’ JoJo Siwa’s ‘gorgeous’ real nameREAD MORE: Escape to the Country star made one ‘life changing’ decision that changed everything
Dean and Anisa were charged with the task of developing brands and advertising campaigns. The competition was tight, with Anisa impressing everyone with her pitch and mouth-watering pizzas, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Dean, however, also gave it his all, captivating everyone present with his business concept. In an intense conclusion to the series, Lord Sugar delivered his verdict, announcing to Dean: “You’re hired.” This was despite acknowledging that there had been “a few rocky moments” during which he had clung on “by the skin of your teeth”.
Anisa ultimately walked away empty-handed, while Dean was elated to secure both the cash investment and business backing from Lord Sugar.
He exclaimed: “I can’t believe I’ve just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon.”
Viewers were quick to march onto X, formerly known as Twitter, to vent their frustrations, with many feeling that Anisa had been ‘robbed’.
One fan protested: “Anisa was robbed! ! ! ! #TheApprentice.” Another echoed: “Omg Anisa has been robbed #TheApprentice.” A third expressed dismay: “ANISA WAS ROBBED WTAF #TheApprentice.”
Yet another viewer remarked: “Surprised Dean won. Personally I felt Anissa had the better business, and she had been consistent throughout the entire process. #TheApprentice.”
Someone else voiced their bafflement, commenting: “Bizarre decision from Sugar. He sets out all the reasons why he should pick Anisa then chooses Dean. Sitting here craving a Zaal pizza not considering AC, enough said. #TheApprentice.”
On the flip side, a portion of the audience rejoiced at Dean’s victory, with one supporter sharing: “So happy for Dean. A genuine, hardworking, seriously knowledgeable about his industry and completely relatable winner #TheApprentice.”
Another added: “The more that I think about it, I do think Dean is an extremely worthy winner. His personality is great, and his business is a very good idea.”
“Dean deserved to win apprentice such a sound guy,” concurred another fan.
You can catch up on The Apprentice on BBC iPlayer