TIM CAMPBELL

Won the first series of The Apprentice in 2005 and was given a job in the health and beauty division of Amstrad. Impressed by his performance, Sir Alan kept him on at the end of his 12-month contract. He has now left to develop two new projects: a male grooming business and a social enterprise initiative, the Bright Ideas Trust, which will give budding entrepreneurs access to equity funding and advice from business angels.

SAIRA KHAN

Runner-up in first series, affectionately known as a motormouth. Has since published a self-help book and makes regular media appearances, including the BBC One Temper Your Temper last year. Her latest project is as managing director of Miamoo Limited, a “scrummy” baby skincare range .

PAOLO TORRISI

One of the final four contestants on the first series. Though ultimately fired, he was offered a job with the executive air travel company run by Sir Alan’s son Daniel. Turned it down and has since been focusing on a career in the media with appearances on the BBC, ITV1 and UKTV Style.

SHARON McALLISTER

Made it to the last five in series two. Fired after arguments with Sir Alan and fellow contestants. Sir Alan also believed she was too “nice” and not aggressive enough. Has since set up an internet TV channel, sit1.tv and is expected to begin presenting a range of business programmes on radio and television in the coming months.

MICHELLE DEWBERRY

Won the second series. Her role at Amstrad was to help with the launch of Xenon Green, a company that specialises in disposing of unwanted computer equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. Soon it was revealed that she was pregnant by a fellow contestant, Syed Ahmed. She later miscarried, ended the relationship with Syed, stopped working for Sir Alan and launched her own business: Michelle Dewberry Ltd (MDL).

RUTH BADGER

Second series runner-up, despite being the clear people’s favourite. After her appearance on the show she wrote a book about the experience called The Real Apprentice. She has set up a consultancy business and presents a series on Sky One called Badger or Bust, in which she uses her sales expertise to help failing businesses.

SYED AHMED

Second series “bad boy”, fired after a run-in with Sir Alan. After the series he was prosecuted for drink-driving, fined £400 and given a suspended prison sentence. Now manages his own recruitment and media companies and is filming a Sky One business documentary.

KATIE HOPKINS

Favourite to win current series until she walked out last week, claiming there might be childcare issues if she won. Boasted of affairs with married men and was photographed making love in a cornfield. This week the self-described “alpha female” was sacked by the Met Office for failing to reach the required standard.

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