Kent's candidate in The Apprentice escaped being fired last night in the first episode of the new series.

Maria O'Connor, who lives in Herne Bay and runs Greek restaurant Elizavet in Sandwich, was spared after her team lost the task.

The 20-year-old, who cites Gordon Ramsay as her inspiration, was part of the girls' team - Sterling.

The girls lost to the boys' team, Phoenix, in the challenge of buying blank products and covering them in designs before selling them to tourists.

Project manager Gabrielle Omar brought Bilyana Apostolova and Katie Wright back into the boardroom.

But it was risk analyst Bilyana, 25, who was fired amid dramatic scenes.

Lord Sugar is offering the winner of the Apprentice the opportunity to be his business partner and an investment of £250,000.

Next week, the candidates will be tasked with designing and selling gadgets.

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