Natalie vying to become Lord Sugar’s new business partner on The Apprentice

Natalie Dean, who was born in Altofts and now lives in Coventry, was one of 18 candidates hoping to become Lord Alan Sugar’s new business partner.

The contestants compete in a variety of challenges on the hit BBC One show to try and secure a £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar.

The first episode, which aired on Wednesday, saw the business hopefuls being tested on their selling skills.

The teams were sent off to Billingsgate Market, London’s famous fish market, to pick up seafood at the best price possible.

They then turned their stock into lunch produce in an attempt to maximise profit.

Miss Dean, a corporate account manager working in telecoms, was part of team Versatile, who sold fish finger sandwiches and calamari to claim a landslide victory.

She said: “I was in charge of buying the squid and I thought if I messed it up I could be out.

“We managed to sell our stock so I was relieved. The boardroom was really nerve-wracking and I struggled to keep a straight face. I was happy to start with a win.”

Online perfume retailer Dan Callaghan, part of team Connexus, was fired by Lord Sugar after his team generated a profit of just £1.87.

Miss Dean, 26, said: “I am a fan of the show and having watched previous series there is a lot more to come.”

Other tasks in the series will involve creating an advertising campaign for shampoo and selling pet products.