The Apprentice finalist admits 'surprise' over behind-the-scenes clashes

The gruelling interview episode saw Dani Donovan, Megan Hornby, and Victoria Goulbourne fired from the BBC competition. Alan Sugar had some extra help in the latest episode as his advisers analyzed the candidate’s business plans with a fine tooth comb and decided from their feedback who to take through to the final. Speaking to Express.co.uk and other media, Dani addressed the behind-the-scenes clashes from her time in The Apprentice.

The BBC favourite sees budding entrepreneurs spending 12 weeks in a house together as they compete in tough tasks to win Alan’s backing.

The boardroom occasionally gets heated as competitors fight for their place in the show.

When asked if there was any awkwardness in the house after each task, Dani explained: “This is something that watching as a viewer I thought, ‘how did they do that?

“‘How do they go into the boardroom and try to throw each other under the bus then come out and they give each other a hug?

Joe and Dani

Joe and Dani

Alan Sugar

“‘Like how do you do that?’ And you know what, it’s so strange because I think that is something that I did really sort of worry about. “I mean I have a salon and in the salon, it’s a very nice environment.

“It’s not corporate, nobody’s trying to throw each other under the bus.

“We really work collaboratively as a team whereas in the boardroom, you just have to sort of realise actually, you’re here for yourself.”

Continuing, it was clear Dani was surprised by the lack of grudges and rifts between the candidates.

Dani Donovan

The Apprentice

“But you do have to leave it at the door because you also need to work in a team in order to get there,” she explained.

“So I think it’s something I really thought I would struggle with.

“But somehow you just walk out of there, leave it as it is. And you carry on. There are no grudges held.”

Dani went on to pay tribute to Karren Brady, stating she should “replace” business magnate Alan if he ever decided to leave the show.

“I think Karren would be a very worthy replacement for Lord Sugar,” she stated.

“I think she would be an absolute boss babe on there, and I think she would be great at that job.

“She really knows everything that goes on, and she is just as stern, I would say.”

It came as the interview episode saw a slightly softer side to Karren as she comforted Dani when she became upset.

Reflecting on the moment, Dani told Express.co.uk why it actually helped her feel more confident with her business venture.

I actually had an interview with Karren, and obviously, I know my business plan wasn’t amazing.

“We had to put them together so quickly before we went into the show.

“It’s not something I had ages and ages to prepare. And she [Karren] actually said to me, ‘Of all the people, you’ve worked so hard to be here, why did you not put more kind of effort into it?

And I said to her, ‘I never expected to get to the stage,’ and she said, ‘Why don’t you have more faith in yourself?’

“But I was just like… ‘I don’t know!’ but I think that was quite nice to hear, that she recognised that I’d worked really hard to be there.”

The Apprentice continues for the final on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.