The Apprentice - When the Chips are Down

Howard gets canned because he's not a risk taker. Isn't the reason the world is so gimped right now the fact that there were too many mavericks too willing to play it fast and loose? Aren't they the reason you're worried about your job, your pension, your home, your family or all four? I think the real loser last night was the guy coming to work in the Rolls Royce for only seeing what he wanted to see and getting hung up on the fact that Howard talked about chips too much. Howard was a gent throughout and his selflessness in doing the TV spot with Lorraine, rather than let her sink alone, showed real class. As for Nick's "big man" comment, I expected better.

In truth, no matter who went last night it would've been harsh - it's at the stage now where even if you don't like some of the contestants, you've had enough time with time to see their qualities. And the person who came out best from the latest challenge was Deborah. I've spent the last nine weeks thinking she'd be a brilliant addition to Albert Square, but that shopping channel should match any offer from 'EastEnders'. She was great at selling that stuff: I would've bought one of those headscarves myself. Actually, make that a stick glitter on a polystyrene cat set. You keep forgetting she's only 23. I mean that in a nice way, incidentally. This time.

The real star of this show from week one has been James, and once again he didn't disappoint: playing up himself and Yasmina as a couple during the demonstrations, flirting with the model in the headscarf, throwing out the lines to punters and then saying he felt like Hugh Hefner because he was the last man in the house. He'll be eaten alive by those interviewers next week, but James doesn't actually need this job! He's a brand in himself! The series has been his showreel! If he doesn't end up on primetime TV before Christmas I'll have a look on my face that will mix Margaret's surprise and Nick's disdain.

Harry Guerin