THE APPRENTICE: Alex survives being on the losing side

8:17am Thursday 8th May 2008

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APPRENTICE hopeful Alex Wotherspoon found himself on the losing side again last night as the two teams on the BBC reality show competed for glory in Morocco.

This week the 10 remaining candidates were sent on a two-day business trip to the North-African country to put their negotiation skills to the ultimate test.

They were given just one day to find 10 items in the hectic markets of Marrakech, famous for its canny traders.

Alex, aged 24, used his skills as a sales manager to negotiate a number of items.

But his talents were not enough to beat the opposing team, Alpha, especially when his fellow Renaissance members tried to bribe a shop worker to scupper their rival's chances.

Jenny Celerier offered to pay the worker up to 20 dirham - about £1.40. She later admitted it was a cheap trick in hindsight.

Sir Alan Sugar was so livid when he heard of her antics back in the boardroom, he fired her immediately.

The group were also confused about what kosher meant and asked a butcher if he could make chicken halal.

In the boardroom Alex, of Rosewood, Westhoughton, told Sir Alan he had given the task 100 per cent.

But the tycoon showed his frustration with the former Bolton School pupil, saying: "You were very good in the first task even though you lost. I liked the way you spoke up for yourself but I've not seen that in the last six weeks."

Alex replied: "I'm more passionate about this than anything I've done in my life before."

When asked who he thought should be chucked off the show he nominated Claire Young.

Alex was saved from hearing the dreaded words "you're fired" when Sir Alan sent him back to the house first, leaving the three remaining candidates to battle it out to remain in the competition.

Team leader Jennifer Maguire was fired for leading a team which was out of control.

The winning team were treated to a hot air balloon ride over Leeds Castle.