Apprentice stars on all-female final

Both women have fought hard to get to the final

By Fiona Pryor Entertainment reporter, BBC News

The glass ceiling is set to be shattered in the last episode of the BBC One show The Apprentice.

It has been three years since there has been an all-female final.

Armed with their lip gloss and high heels, Kate Walsh and Yasmina Siadatan will be seen battling it out on Sunday's show.

If the winner was determined by the strength of their hand shake alone - then Walsh would win hands down, as her grip is extraordinarily strong.

The licensing development manager has mapped out a reputation for herself throughout the series as someone who remains wonderfully composed.

I think, perhaps, people expect women to be quite emotional in the work place and I don't fit that stereotype Kate Walsh

However, her most notable attribute has also brought with it criticism from Sir Alan and his aides.

"I think, perhaps, people expect women to be quite emotional in the work place and I don't fit that stereotype," she explains.

"Throughout the process, I have managed to keep my composure and remain professional and, perhaps, I didn't let my guard down enough and let the real Kate shine through.

"I was very, very keen to keep up a professional image throughout the whole entire process, which is basically a 12 week interview."

Neither of them are surprised that the men, this year, all got the boot.

"The girls were very much stronger contenders this year right from the beginning," says Siadatan, who has a degree in economic history with population studies.

"We knew it was going to be an all-girl final. I had my suspicions that it was going to be Walshy here, so being up against her is brilliant."

Calm and cool

Appearing to be the best of friends, Walsh - who achieved a first class honours degree in psychology and management - admits she is "really quite nervous".

Siadatan says she is "excited" about the outcome but will be happy for her rival if Walsh is chosen.

Viewers saw the penultimate episode on Wednesday

They both speak highly of each other and are at ease explaining each other's strong points.

"She is great at organising people, motivating them and getting the best out of them," says Walsh.

And Siadatan says her rival's presenting skills are "second to none", adding "she really is very, very good. She can have a whole room captivated."

Both 27-years-old, each candidate has proved they are equally worthy of being in the final.

Walsh has maintained an impressive calm and cool exterior throughout the series, whilst Siadatan has successfully led her team to victory three times as project manager.

The final task has already been filmed, but neither of them have any idea who has got the £100,000 job working for Sir Alan.

The business tycoon's decision will be broadcast on Sunday.

'Business game'

"It's such a close call this year between Yasmina and I," Walsh says.

"If I was a viewer, I would really struggle to call it and I don't think I'd like to be in Sir Alan's shoes choosing between us."

Whilst most of us cower on the sofa watching the tasks unfold and Sir Alan heaping blame on the losing team, both women insist they have enjoyed every minute of the show.

"For me, business is a bit like a game," says Siadatan.

Sir Alan Sugar has the final say over who wins the show

A successful restaurateur, she says participating in the show was "good fun".

She adds: "Imagine the best game you could ever imagine and you're just the pawn and you're put into it and off you go."

And Walsh claims it has been "one of the best things I've ever done".

"Whether I come first or second, I know that I'm going to be a success whatever I do," says Siadatan.

"I can't wait to find out whatever it will be. Whether it will be the first path or the second path, I just want to get walking down it."

Walsh, who is now dating former candidate Philip Taylor, is just as desperate to land the role.

"I'm just trying to remain positive about the outcome, but I'd still dearly, dearly love to win. So that's still the aim."

But if Sir Alan turns her down, would she be tempted to turn to the glossy magazines to earn some money?

"If I don't win, my priority again is to get another fantastic job opportunity in a fantastic business somewhere," she says.

Before any questions about her relationship with Taylor are asked, the interview is drawn to a conclusion.

The Apprentice The Final is on Sunday at 2100 BST

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version