The latest episode of The Apprentice saw Lord Sugar whittle down his final five contestants following a challenging pet industry task.

The candidates were tasked with designing innovative pet products and creating social media campaigns to pitch to some of the UK’s top retailers, putting their business skills and creativity to the ultimate test.

Kieran McCartney, an estate agent from East London, became the first of the two to exit the boardroom this week.

McCartney had previously struck a deal with Lord Sugar, agreeing that he would leave the programme if his team could not succeed under his leadership as project manager. After a tense session, Lord Sugar quipped that McCartney had “used up his nine lives,” sending the contestant home with a mix of humor and sharp critique.

The other contestant to leave was Rothna Akhtar, a student wellbeing adviser, who expressed her disappointment at being fired so close to the final. Akhtar had struggled to convince the boardroom that her team’s strategy and pitch were strong enough to secure the deal. Her departure highlighted how high the stakes are in the final stages of the show, where even minor mistakes can prove costly.

The episode was not without lighter moments. Lord Sugar entertained viewers with pet-themed puns, joking that the losing team’s leader had acted like “Chairman Meow” during the pitch.

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The candidates also received assistance from a cameo appearance by former Made in Chelsea star Zara McDermott, who helped boost their social media strategies and engagement.

As the series heads toward its finale, the remaining five contestants now face increased pressure to perform, with Lord Sugar making it clear that only the strongest, most innovative business minds will survive. With creative product ideas, sharp negotiations, and the ever-present humor of Lord Sugar, this episode offered fans a blend of tension, entertainment, and business insight.

Fans can expect the final weeks of The Apprentice to be full of high-stakes challenges, clever strategies, and memorable moments as the finalists vie for the coveted title and a chance to work with Lord Sugar.