THE BBC show The Apprentice is at the centre of a ‘fix’ row, as viewers have branded the show “pointless,” amid fears they could boycott the final, causing ratings to plummet.
Fans of the reality show were left blindsided when an unlikely candidate steamed into the final, despite losing a string of tasks along the way.
Pie shop owner Phil Turner beat Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha into the final heat of the competition.
During the interview stage of the show, Lord Sugar’s advisors were concerned that Phil’s business plan failed to demonstrate a decent grasp of the numbers.
So now viewers are claiming that the show has been organized to get Phil to the final because he boosts the entertainment value of the show.
Venting their reaction on social media, one fan wrote: “Completely pointless watching now. Fix."
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Another said: “The fact that Phil made the final 2 despite losing so many tasks and was clearly useless shows how people perform in the tasks don't matter. Alan Sugar had picked his winner before the show started."
Meanwhile another viewer ranted: “NAAAAAH this show is a fix. Phil's LOST every single task, then when he had to win as project manager it was a FOOD task, his area of expertise, and now he's in the FINAL?! GIVE OVER. he's gonna win, what a joke.”
Another said: Phil quite possibly has the worst record in the , 9 losses 9 weeks straight, and he's in the bloody final??? FIX.
The suggestion seems to be that TV bosses wanted to keep Phil in the show because the pie shop personality makes good telly.
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The food entrepreneur even broke down in tears during the tough interview stage, which is rarely seen on the show.
After having his business plan ripped apart by Claude Littner and Linda Plant, it was Claudine Collins who eventually pushed him over the edge.
She said: “Who would you say inspired you the most.”
"Who would you say inspired you the most?" she asked him.
"I definitely think my mum and dad are my biggest inspirations. Standing there in a close environment working every day in day out for a few years, I actually got to appreciate how much work they actually done and how much they sacrificed," he replied, his eyes wet with tears.
"Just talking about this makes me feel really warm inside," he added with a smile.
Meanwhile one fan gave a more analytical summary- “Phil got a leg-up last week when Tre moved across to make it 4 vs. 3. Pity sides aren't balanced for critical week before interviews. One at distinct disadvantage.
But whether the fans choose to boycott the show or not, Phil has made it to the final and will face off boutique fitness owner, Rachel Woolford, where they will compete to be Sir Alan’s business partner and the coveted £250,000 investment.