It was the result that shocked nobody.
The bookies’ favourite, Karishma Vijay, has been named as the winner of series 20 of The Apprentice.
The 28-year-old owner of the Kishkin beauty brand, secured Lord Sugar’s £250k investment and mentorship after beating Pascha Myhill.
In tonight’ final, the two candidates were asked to develop a brand and advertising campaign for their respective business ideas.
They then presented their businesses to Lord Sugar, a room of leading industry experts and several previous winners including Dr Leah Totton, Ricky Martin and Dean Franklin.
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After announcing his new business partner, Lord Sugar said: “As always, it was close competition in the final after two outstanding pitches by two brilliant young businesswomen. But Karishma really impressed me throughout the process and has proven why she deserves my investment.
“She’s a proper grafter and she’s got that entrepreneurial spirit that I always look for. The cosmetics industry is one I know a lot about, and I know our partnership will pave the way for a bright future.”
Engaged
Newly-engaged Karishma said: “I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m going to be calling Lord Sugar every other day, saying ‘what do I do now? I don’t know what I’m doing’. Because when I was doing it by myself, I was going at my own pace. Now, there’s a bit more pressure, because I have to really convince him that he made the right decision to have picked me.
“I feel like I will never get over this experience. Nothing in my life will ever compare. I just got engaged – so what?”
Karishma, who has nearly one million social media followers, plans to spend a chunk of the investment on marketing.
She said: “I want everyone to know the brand. Not knowing me. Right now, people associate me with the brand, as the face of the brand. But I want to reverse those roles.
“Kishkin should be everywhere; duty free, billboards, Sephora, Harrods, Selfridges, all the big places. There should be a little Kishkin counter where all the girls can run in to buy their new skin care fix. And I just want our brand to continue to make products that work miracles on skin.”