'All-female Apprentice final great for young girls'

A Surrey businesswoman who has reached the end of The Apprentice says having an all-female final is "great for impressionable young girls to see".

Karishma Vijay, from Ashford, reached the final of this year's competition, vying for investment from Lord Alan Sugar into her skincare brand.

The 28-year-old said she was amazed by the response that she and fellow finalist Pascha Myhill had seen ahead of the last episode of the BBC One show, which airs on Thursday.

She said: "The public are right behind you when you are doing well."

Vijay added: "I feel like the younger generation looks up to us so much now. It's great for impressionable young girls to see this.

"The public response has been amazing."

Vijay, who is seeking investment into her skincare brand KishKin, has impressed throughout the series with her negotiating skills, and made her way through to the final after succeeding in the challenging interview stage.

She said that while they only make seconds of the show, each of the 45 minute-long interviews saw the business advisors "going at you".

In one interview, Vijay brought interviewer Claudine Collins to tears as they discussed how her family were her motivation to succeed in business.

"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", she said.

The final of The Apprentice will air on Thursday at 21:00 BST.

The winner of the series will receive £250,000 in investment in their business, as well as partnering with Lord Sugar.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.