"You're hired" or "You're fired"...

Those will be the words ringing in the ears of two Kent contestants in this year’s series of The Apprentice.

The award-winning BBC show - now in its fifth run - boasts two big business jobseekers from the county.

Both hope to bag the £100k salary working for multi-millionaire businessman Sir Alan Sugar.

As part of their tough challenges in what’s described as “the job interview from hell” they will be charged with the task of rebranding Margate’s iconic seaside resort in a bid to attract more tourists.

But programmers are keeping tight-lipped about which town the contestants hail from.

Lorraine Tighe is a National Accounts Manager and left school at 16.

The single mother has gone on to be the top salesperson in every company she has ever worked for and admires Victoria Beckham for being equally resourceful.

Despite admitting she has very little education, and enduring many trials and tribulations throughout her life, she sums up her attitude to business as the ability to drive a dead horse to the winning line.

"I've fought against all the odds” she said.

“I'm a single mum with no education and I've had a very hard time. It is tough, but to have the confidence I have I should be very proud of myself."

Stubborn mother-of-one Mona Lewis is the other Kentish contestant.

The former customer advisor for NatWest Bank in Sittingbourne High Street was born in Karachi and is a former Tanzanian beauty-queen.

A former colleague of Ms Lewis described her as outgoing and hard working.

He said: “She was lots of fun, had a lovely personality. I’m not surprised she’s gone in for it, and won’t be surprised if she walked away with the job.”

She sees herself as a shrewd and honest businesswoman who feels personal emotions should never get in the way of business decisions.

She said: "I knew I would be selected, not to sound big-headed. I've succeeded in the companies I've worked for because I work hard and I'm honest.”

Among others Ms Lewis and Ms Tighe will be competing against are a city stockbroker, an award-winning restaurant owner, a qualified lawyer, an aristocrat, a 21-year-old entrepreneur, an ex-professional footballer and a chess champion.

Previous experiences will count for nothing on the show, though.

"I don't care where you're from or what your last job was” Sir Alan Sugar told them.

“You think you can second guess or play me? Well let me tell you, I'm as hard to play as a Stradivarius. First prize – you get to work for me. Second prize – doesn't exist."