Interview of Learned Candidate Jackie Fast: "It was the best way forward"

It's time to say goodbye to one of this year's most memorable Apprentice candidates.

Jackie Fast was fired by Lord Sugar in what will surely become the most discussed showdown of the series, after the mogul deemed the entrepreneur become too experienced author to become his trading partner.

We spoke to the charming candidate about exactly what was going on in the shopping chain, her clashes with Khadija and why she knew she would eventually be fired for her success outside the show. .

You've been the victim of your own success, Jackie.

I know. I was fired for being too good! That was the best way to go.

This is true. You had a glowing report from everyone, and yet you were fired. It's almost as if you had no chance. Has it ever struck you?

Not entirely. I thought I would be fired for the reason I was fired, but I thought I would go a step further in the process. But as Lord Sugar explained, he really wants £ 250,000 to be a life change for someone. Unfortunately, it's just not me. There are less experienced candidates in the process that suit him better, taking their smaller business and doing a business mogul.

Does this make you think that all your hard work has been for nothing?

Not at all. In fact, just the opposite. I am really happy that they let me participate! I am someone who likes to be outside my comfort zone. One of the reasons why I sold my last business was because we had reached the top; we worked with Richard Branson and the Rolling Stones. I could not have made this company more successful, so the challenge was there. I wanted to follow this process and be challenged in different ways – for example, living with 16 people, which was impossible. But it was a difficult environment and I really loved it. I was lucky to be part of it.

You have always been called abrasive throughout the process. Do you think you are?

I think that an abrasive person may be talking for no reason and likes the sound of his own voice. Am I determined to do things all the time? Yes. It is sometimes considered as abrasive by other people less badertive than me.

Do you think that your previous experience and your stubborn nature intimidated people?

If I'm honest, I do not think so. I think everyone is very confident in their own right and in a different way. The only thing I found personally very enlightening is not knowing anyone's background. They had no idea who I was and what I did. We all felt that we were on the same point. But I wish to have intimidated more people! My opinion has not been heard and it's something I do not know yet. So it was a good learning experience for me.

It must be difficult to stay calm when there is a camera in the face at all times.

You say that, but for me, I just say it as I see it. The emotions that I have are written on my face most of the time. Personally, I did not care. I would never have claimed to be something that I am not. I have never acted differently, but it's just me.

Would you say that you are satisfied with the way you have been edited?

Yes, everyone likes me (laughs). Historically, there are always candidates who say to themselves, "Oh, the writing makes me look like a ** hole!" I totally disagree, especially now that I did it. I'm pretty conscious of the type of person I am and I think the editing shows everyone, including myself, what it is. All the things that came out of my mouth were the ones that came out of my mouth. One of the things Kurran [Pooni] post-show is that what you have not been able to see is how charming I am in person. I think I'm pretty charming in real life. But I do not think the editing showed anything that was not there or was not true. I think that to be as frank and determined as I am, you have to balance that. I could not have gone that far today without being able to balance that with being … something else positive (laughs).

Be honest – did you deploy tactics when Tom was appointed project manager?

100% no I know that sounds like that, but what you do not see is that we all sit there with everyone who wants to be a project manager and everybody looks like idiots with empty faces. We have so little time to make a decision, so say either you want to do it, or try to help. In hindsight, I would really like to have pushed harder to be the project leader of this task, but Khadija really wanted to be the main presenter and, because she was strong in spirit, we needed someone to be the leader of the project, but one who would lead the team in a weighted manner. I do not think Khadija would have been too kind to me as a project manager. She really liked Tom. That's why we proposed it: everyone loves and listens to it, and I think in our group, with some of the production we had, I thought 100% that was the best person for the job. I would now like not to have done that. But it was not a tactic at all.

You and Khadija blocked your head. Why do you think that's it?

We are two strong personalities. But if you add to the pressure of the series and the fact that it's a competition, not everyone gets along. I think it's normal. I do not really want it.

Do you have hard feelings?

Not at all. I liked it. I really really did it. Before I said yes, I thought it could be a professional suicide. But the producers said: "All those who did it would come back", I stayed very hesitant, especially knowing the kind of person that I am. Now, going out, I'll do it tomorrow if I could. It was so much fun. It was difficult, but I love the challenges.

Who do you support for the victory?

At first, I timed Sian and Camilla because I had worked with them on the third task and thought they were extraordinary. The age of Camilla takes my breath away: she is 22 years old and having so much calm and tact at this age is incredible. I worked with Daniel on the artistic task and I loved him absolutely. So, these are my three favorites.

What's next for you?

What I am doing now is Canadian icewine. In the UK, few people know what it is and how it is made. It is done by leaving the grapes on the vine until they freeze, which sucks all the water creating this intense wine. I am the only British company to import it. It's currently available in a Michelin-starred restaurant, a drinks wholesaler, called Vanquish, and should soon be in many other places, hopefully. it is available online and comes right to your door and will make an amazing Christmas gift.

L & # 39; s apprentice continue every Wednesday on BBC One at 9pm