Lord Sugar has chosen his 2026 finalists after the candidates faced several tense interviews
The Apprentice 2026 finalists revealed as fans fume over ‘robbed’ candidate(Image: BBC/Naked)
BBC’s The Apprentice has confirmed its 2026 finalists after eleven weeks of tough challenges.
Thursday’s (April 9) episode saw the final five candidates – Dan Miller, Karishma Vijay, Lawrence Rosenberg, Pascha Myhill, and Priyesh Bathia – prepare for the dreaded interview stage of the process, with Pascha and Karishma later advancing to the final.
Earlier in the episode, the business hopefuls were set to face a gruelling round of interviews with some of Lord Sugar’s toughest-talking business associates, Claude Littner, Claudine Collins, Linda Plant, and Mike Soutar.
Their business plans were picked apart, products were blind tested, and even a unique cocktail was prepared on the spot. Some contestants held their own, while others crumbled under the pressure.
Back in the boardroom, Lord Sugar had a tough decision to make, as only two candidates could make it through to next week’s grand final.
After a series of “brutal” interviews and debates in the boardroom, it was the end of the competition for Dan, Lawrence and Priyesh, while Pascha and Karishma sailed through to the grand finale.
Many viewers were delighted by the decision, with one person writing on X (formerly Twitter): “My final 2 are in the final!”
Another added: “Girl power final,” while a third said: “Best finalists they’ve had in a long time!” A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Oh I am so pleased, an all female final. Well done ladies.”
However, some viewers were surprised that Lord Sugar didn’t choose to send Dan through, as he already runs a successful student recruitment company.
“I don’t think Dan should have been sent home,” one person wrote, with another adding: “Dan was robbed of the final 2.”
A third said: “I did not see that coming,” with another similarly sharing: “Gutted for Dan but if he can get control of finances he could be very successful in future.”
Recruitment consultant Pascha is proposing a new recruitment company within private healthcare. She aims to focus on supplying experienced, compliant, and compassionate professionals to private nursing homes, care homes, supported living services, and domiciliary care providers and nurseries within the UK.
Meanwhile, beauty brand owner Karishma is seeking investment to elevate her current business. Kishkin is a skincare-infused beauty brand that creates powerful and potent products that simplify a lengthy trend-driven skincare routine.
Next week, Pascha and Karishma will be joined by some of this series’ candidates as they launch their businesses to a room full of industry experts, and some legends from the last 20 years. This all comes before Lord Sugar decides who will become his next business partner.
The Apprentice is available to stream on BBC iPlayer