The Apprentice winner has confessed that she feared she’d missed out on the life-changing investment until Lord Alan Sugar declared her triumph.
Marnie Swindells and Rochelle Anthony competed against each other in the final episode of the 2023 season in an attempt to impress Lord Sugar and a slew of industry professionals.
Rochelle sought to sway the business mogul with her ambition to expand her hair shop, catering to all sorts of hair and giving seminars, but Marnie’s inclusive, emotion-focused boxing club proposal triumphed.
Marnie spoke up to Metro.co.uk about the moment she found out she had the £250,000 investment in the bag – as it truly happened off-camera.
While Lord Sugar revealed his choice in the boardroom in the final episode, Marnie and Rochelle were both notified of the outcome over the phone.
‘Lord Sugar does let us know after who he decides to go with, so it was difficult and we were left in suspense for a little while. I really didn’t think that it was going my way,’ Marnie admitted.
‘I remember that morning that we found out thinking, “Just put me out of my misery. I know I didn’t win.” Then he gave me the shock of my life and said I had, so I also had to process that and try and deal with that feeling that I’d had that I hadn’t, and then I had, and it was a lot.’
When asked why she believed she’d lost, given how confident she sounded in her company idea in her pitch, the entrepreneur replied, ‘It’s honestly pretty sad. I just don’t feel like I do enough. Even when I give everything my all, I constantly see flaws and condemn myself. I’m pretty critical of myself.
‘So I think I was just reflecting that I could have done better, I could have done more, I should have said this. I really internalised that and it made me believe that I hadn’t won. But I was just so shocked when I did.’
When asked about the fatal phone call in question, Marnie stated, “it would have been very comical if there was a camera on us at that moment,” characterising her discussion with Lord Sugar as one she’ll “never forget.”
‘I’ll never forget that conversation and I will always hold on to it very dearly,’ she added.
Marnie said of her victory, “It still doesn’t feel real” and “it’s very hard to comprehend,” as she continues to process the “whirlwind” ride she’s been on.
She’s presently in communication with Lord Sugar to discuss the next stages for her firm, which has been renamed BRONX since the last episode and can be found on Instagram at @bronxldn.
Comparing the way in which the business was launched in the finale to the reality of the company, Marnie stated: ‘I’ve always been very certain on my messaging and what I want the gym to stand for and that remains throughout the process and has translated into my gym in real life.’
She did, however, agree that the ‘execution is considerably different,’ particularly in terms of the company’s new name and logo.
Marnie mentioned that she’s thinking of planning an Apprentice-style job at BRONX so people can have a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the process.
Let’s see if any other aspiring boxers out there have what it takes to demonstrate their business acumen!
The Apprentice is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Source My Celebrity Life.