The Apprentice Final Set to Crown New Business Partner

The highly anticipated final of season 20 of The Apprentice is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 9pm. Finalists Karishma Vijay, a beauty brand owner, and recruitment consultant Pascha Myhill will compete for Lord Alan Sugar’s coveted £250,000 investment, which promises to launch one of their businesses to new heights.

As the competition reaches its climax, Vijay and Myhill will present their business plans to a panel of industry experts, hoping to impress Lord Sugar enough to secure a partnership that could change their lives. Both contenders have displayed remarkable skills throughout the series, overcoming 15 other candidates to reach this final showdown.

Vijay, who hails from Ashford, is seeking investment for her skincare brand, KishKin. She has captivated audiences with her negotiating prowess and emotional storytelling, particularly during the rigorous interview stage. In one memorable moment, she brought interviewer Claudine Collins to tears as they discussed the motivation derived from her family. "She felt that feeling I had which was so genuine and she got emotional. It's nice to see the human side of the interviewers," Vijay remarked, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the competition.

On the other hand, Myhill, from Reading, is looking to expand her recruitment company, which specializes in providing professionals to private healthcare sectors, including nursing homes and supported living services. She has emphasized the importance of authenticity for future applicants, advising them to be "unapologetically" themselves during the process. "The process is too intense, too long, and too exposing to maintain an act," she explained, underscoring the need for genuine passion and commitment.

As the final approaches, excitement is building not just for the contestants, but also for the return of two beloved figures from the show’s past. Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford, who was trusted advisors to Lord Sugar, will make their return for the finale after a 13-year absence. Hewer was a fixture on the show from its inception in 2005 until 2014, and Mountford was part of the program until 2009, later returning for interview stages until 2013. Their presence promises to add a nostalgic touch to the proceedings.

In addition to Hewer and Mountford, three former winners of the show—Dr Leah Totton (2013), Ricky Martin (2012), and Dean Franklin (2025)—will also appear to offer advice to the finalists. Their insights could prove invaluable as Vijay and Myhill prepare to launch their business ideas to a room full of industry experts.

Vijay has expressed how much the experience has taught her about her own strength and capabilities. "It taught me that I am a lot stronger than I thought. I know how to innovate, I know how to pitch, I know how to sell, I know how to back myself and I know how to lead. I’m ready to take on the cutthroat business world - in fact, I think I was born for it," she stated confidently.

Meanwhile, Myhill’s business plan focuses on enhancing her recruitment firm, which plays a key role in supplying professionals to the UK’s private healthcare sector. As she prepares for the final, she reflects on the intense nature of the competition and the lessons learned along the way.

Just days before the final, Vijay shared her personal joy on social media, announcing her engagement in what she described as the "hardest soft launch." This news has added an extra layer of excitement as she heads into the final, with fans expressing their happiness and support for her. "What a week it’s turning out to be! Huge congrats Karishma! Now win the series!" one fan commented, encapsulating the enthusiasm surrounding her dual milestones.

As the competition heats up, the stakes are high for both finalists. The winner will not only receive the £250,000 investment but will also enter a 50/50 partnership with Lord Sugar, a move that could significantly alter their business trajectories. The final a culmination of hard work, resilience, and creativity, as both Vijay and Myhill strive to convince Lord Sugar that they are the right choice for his investment.

In the lead-up to the finale, viewers have witnessed the intense interviews and challenges that have shaped the candidates. The semi-final episode saw the elimination of several contenders, including Dan Miller, Lawrence Rosenberg, and Priyesh Bathia, who all faced the rigorous questioning of Lord Sugar's business associates. Their experiences highlight the competitive and often brutal nature of the show, where only the most prepared and innovative candidates can thrive.

As the clock ticks down to the final, the excitement is tangible. The return of Hewer and Mountford, the support from previous winners, and the personal journeys of Vijay and Myhill all contribute to a finale that both inspiring and dramatic. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will emerge victorious and claim the title of Lord Sugar’s next business partner.

With the final airing on April 16, 2026, at 9pm BST, viewers across the nation will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the culmination of this season’s intense competition. As the two finalists prepare to launch their business ideas, the question remains: who will convince Lord Sugar to invest in their vision and take the next big step in their entrepreneurial journeys?