Michael fired from The Apprentice

Telesales executive and self-proclaimed "exceptional individual" Michael Sophocles has become the latest candidate to leave TV's The Apprentice.

The 25-year-old was fired by Sir Alan Sugar after leading the losing team in a luxury car rental task.

In a previous task, Sophocles could not explain the difference between Kosher and Halal meat, despite claiming on his CV to be "a good Jewish boy".

There are now five candidates left in the race to work for Sir Alan.

Lucinda Ledgerwood, Lee McQueen, Alex Wotherspoon, Helene Speight and Claire Young will all face one-on-one interviews with some of Sir Alan's trusted associates.

'Disaster zone'

This week's task required the candidates to rent a selection of Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis or Pagini Zondas to the public.

Sophocles' team made just �2,114 in sales, compared to his rivals' takings of �11,815.

In the boardroom, Sir Alan called Sophocles a "disaster zone", despite the candidate himself insisting he had shown "flashes of brilliance".

The tycoon said: "You've been in this boardroom before quite a few times. It's a tough one, but I think I have to say to you: 'You're fired.'"

Afterwards, Sophocles said: "I think Sir Alan liked me, which means a lot to me."

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