THE APPRENTICE: Alex sails into final five

8:26am Wednesday 28th May 2008

REALITY show hopeful Alex Wotherspoon was praised for his excellent sales skills as he made it through to the next round of The Apprentice.

Alex, aged 24, of Rosewood, Westhoughton, was the star of the winning team in a luxury car rental task and now finds himself in the final five.

Largely thanks to Alex's sales expertise, his group managed to raise £11,815, compared to their rival's £2,114.

The candidates were ordered to rent a selection of Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis or Pagini Zondas to the public.

And as the results were read out Sir Alan took the time to say well done to the Bolton businessman for his excellent work.

However, finding volunteers to take up the high-cost rental was not easy, and Alex had to wait roughly ten hours before his first "sale".

He admitted that the task was his "absolute forte" and his team were treated to wine tasting in a Mayfair hotel.

By contrast, his rival team leader Michael Sophocles became the latest candidate to be booted off.

The telesales executive, aged 25, was fired by Sir Alan Sugar who branded him a "disaster zone".