THE APPRENTICE FINAL: BBC ONE, 9PM TONIGHT ALANA: RIVALS SNUBBED ME
THE Apprentice finalist Alana Spencer suffered a meltdown after being “sidelined” by ruthless rivals.
In scenes not aired on TV, the cake company boss broke down in tears and was on the verge of quitting.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s final, Alana said: “I felt I was sidelined by the others at the beginning.
“There were 18 of us and I think some people thought the best thing was just to be heard.
“There were a few times when I was put down.
“People seem to naturally talk down to me. I think people always want to give me advice.
“I am not very aggressive so I think that I naturally took that position in the process.
“But in a competitive environment that kind ED GLEAVE of went against me.” In the third week the pressure proved too much for 24-year-old Alana. She said: “There was one morning when I had a cry at the house. We were doing the candy task that week and I knew everything was riding on it. “Frances and Grainne were there. They became some of my closest mates in there. That day I was seriously considering leaving. But thank God I didn’t.” Viewers saw Alana become crippled by fear when she faced Lord Sugar in the boardroom. She said: “I have nightmares about that boardroom. “One of my skills is speaking publicly so it was a weird experience. I didn’t want to shout all the time.
“I think it’s about talking when you need to. You don’t just need to be the loudest shouter.”
Fans will see Alana battle Courtney Wood in the final for the chance to work alongside Lord Sugar – and grab a £250,000 investment.
They are tasked with creating a TV advert and launching their business to a live audience.
Competing on the business series has made Essex lad Courtney, 29, a hit with men and women.
He said: “I feel like I’ve become a bit of a gay icon.
“I have a fan club building up. It’s nice to know people like you. I have had stuff sent to me online that’s probably not suitable to repeat.
“Last week I also got quite a few negative comments and people trolling me. When you put yourself in the limelight not everyone is going to like you.”