On the same night the new series of The Apprentice got started, a boardroom-style grilling was also taking place in Ambridge. Tom was facing the fearsome panel of Jazzer, Jim, David and Brian as preparation for his scholarship interview.
While Lord Sugar is top dog in The Apprentice, his equivalent in Ambridge is Brian Aldridge. When Johnny was looking for the right people to put Tom under pressure, David and Ruth could think of no one better than Brian. “He’d scare anyone” as Ruth put it.
Looking at fresh crop of candidates on the BBC1 series, it comes to mind whether enterprising sausage-maker Tom should have applied to be on The Apprentice rather than a chance for a Nuffield Scholarship. The cohort this year includes Oliver Nohl-Oser, the founder and director of a sausage manufacturer. While Tom's sausage empire is no longer what it once was, when he unwinds after a long day in front of The Apprentice he must be rooting for Oliver.
Who else from Ambridge could make it as a candidate on The Apprentice? Here are a few suggestions:
Josh Archer, Egg enterprise owner
“I may not do the same kind of farming as my mum and dad. But I still aim to make it big. And end up rich too.”
Kate Madikane, Holistic therapy retreat owner
“All my vital energy is going into my business.”
Toby Fairbrother, Hen and geese executive and film maker
“Forget about the Grundys, we’re a completely different kettle of fish. I worked in the City for a while.”
Rob Titchener, Agricultural estates manager
“With me, you’re getting continuity… permanence, even. I’m committed to Ambridge because of my son. I’m committed for life.” (insert evil laugh here)
