The Apprentice 2022 candidates: Meet cast members facing Lord Sugar

In tonight’s final (24th March), the final two contestants will go head-to-head to secure Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment as they deliver their visions to the business mogul and his panel of industry experts.

But only one winner can be announced in the final, so who will it be? Also, will we get a series 17?

As the series continues, here's everything you need to know about The Apprentice 2022 candidates, including who has already been fired on The Apprentice.

The Apprentice 2022 candidates: Cast members for season 16

Finalists:

Harpreet Kaur

Age: 30

Job: Owner of a dessert parlour

From: West Yorkshire

Fearless and funny, Harpreet Kaur describes herself as a "born leader". She plans to “level up” her successful, six-figure coffee and cakes business to become a leading brand in the UK.

• Read More: Meet Harpreet Kaur

Kathryn Louise Burn

Age: 29

Job: Owner of an online pyjama store

From: Swindon

After working a range of jobs, from a mortgage advisor to events manager, Kathryn Louise Burn now has ambitious plans for her online pyjama business and is confident that they will one day be “worn by everyone".

• Read More: Meet Kathryn Louise Burn

Other candidates:

Brittany Carter - Fired in week 11

Age: 25

Job: Hotel Front of House manager

From: Bristol

Describing herself as kind, sociable, and enthusiastic - people person Brittany Carter is looking for Lord Sugar’s help launching her business idea for the first alcoholic protein drink.

She says: "My motto for life is ‘always look on the bright side, and be grateful for everything.’"

• Read More: Meet Brittany Carter

Stephanie Affleck - Fired in Week 11

Age: 28

Job: Owner of an online children’s store

From: Kent

Confident, decisive and brutally honest, Stephanie Affleck is looking for funding and support to develop her designer childrenswear store.

"I’m an East London girl, and I’ve got that no-nonsense sort of work ethic. I’ve got grit, determination and I’m determined to be successful," she says.

• Read More: Meet Stephanie Affleck

Aaron Willis - Fired in Week 10

Age: 38

Job: Flight Operations Instructor

From: Chorley, Lancashire

Having served in the RAF for 12 years as a Flight Operations Instructor, Aaron Willis has now set out to start his own security business.

"My strongest point is that I can sell to anybody, and I think that’s the reason why my business will be a success - because people will buy from me," he says.

• Read More: Meet Aaron Willis

Akeem Bundu-Kamara - Fired in Week 10

Age: 29

Job: Strategy Manager for a financial firm

From: London

A self-confessed numbers guy, Akeem Bunda-Kamara will be bringing his "calculated point of view" to the boardroom.

He says he's ready to provide the facts and has the "ambition, the drive and the experience working with strategy" to stand him out from the crowd.

• Read More: Meet Akeem Bunda-Kamara

Akshay Thakrar - Fired in Week 9

Age: 28

Job: Owner of a digital marketing agency

From: London

Akshay Thakrar believes sleeping is a "waste of time", and that he was put on this earth to do one thing, and one thing only - make money! He also speaks seven languages, so can communicate with "everyone."

• Read More: Meet Akshay Thakar

Alex Short - Fired in Week 4

Age: 27

Job: Owner of a commercial cleaning company

From: Hertford

Despite leaving school after the first year of sixth form, and encountering a few hurdles along the way, Alex Short is now on the way to tripling his turnover at his cleaning company, which he sees as the "most impressive" thing he’s done in business, so far.

• Read More: Meet Alex Short

Amy Anzel - Fired in Week 6

Age: 48

Job: Owner of a beauty brand

From: London

Amy Anzel started her beauty business a little later in life, but has now found what she loves doing. That doesn't make her an easy boss, though. "I can be nice when I need to be, but when I unfortunately have to be a bitch, I will," she says.

• Read More: Meet Amy Anzel

Conor Gilsenan - Fired in Week 2

Age: 28

Job: Sales Executive

From: London

Hard working and “hyper-motivated by money”, former professional rugby player Conor Gilsenan describes himself as a “corporate panther” with a record for getting deals done. And he's hoping to secure a new record of his own, as he thinks he'll win the series.

• Read More: Meet Conor Gilsenan

Francesca Kennedy Wallbank - Fired in Week 5

Age: 26

Job: Owner of a sustainability company

From: Surrey

Coming from a line of successful entrepreneurs, eco-conscious mathematics graduate Francesca Kennedy Wallbank is confident that she can win, stating: “I’ve never lost anything, I always win.”

• Read More: Meet Francesca Kennedy Wallbank

Harry Mahmood - Fired in Week 1

Age: 35

Job: Regional Operations Manager

From: West Midlands

Inspired by the kindness of his grandparents, Harry Mahmood wants to help and support people.

He describes himself as the "Asian version of Lord Sugar”, and hopes they can work together to develop his bath bomb business, becoming the "bad boys of the bath bomb world".

Navid Sole - Fired in Week 3

Age: 27

Job: Pharmacist

From: London

Qualified pharmacist and Nicki Minaj superfan, Navid Sole aspires to create a successful pharmacy business with the help and expertise of Lord Sugar.

"Nothing intimidates me because I just feel like I’m a strong character, strong person, [with a] strong mindset," he says.

• Read More: Meet Navid Sole

Nick Showering - Fired in Week 8

Age: 31

Job: Finance manager

From: London

Qualified accountant Nick Showering hopes to make a name for himself in the drinks industry with his line of flavoured water, after working in the "shadow" of his family's business.

• Read More: Meet Nick Showering

Sophie Wilding - Fired in Week 7

Age: 32

Job: Owner of a boutique cocktail bar

From: Cheltenham

Saleswoman-turned-businesswoman, Sophie Wilding describes herself as magical and enchanting, and has big renovation plans for her boutique cocktail bar.
She says: "Failure is not an option, winning is part of my DNA."

• Read More: Meet Sophie Wilding

Shama Amin - Withdrew in Week 3

Age: 41

Job: Owner of a children’s day nursery

From: Bradford

Shama Amin is a 41-year-old mother of five, who is passionate about taking care of children and describes herself as loyal, determined and outspoken.

"Being a lady of colour, wearing a headscarf as well, and the challenges that we face on a daily basis, I just want to be a living example for the Asian women and South Asian women out there," she says.

Unfortunately Shama Amin quit The Apprentice due to a health issue.

In Week Three, Shama left the show as she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, which has made the physical aspects of the reality show a serious challenge for her.

• Read More: Meet Shama Amin

New episodes of The Apprentice series 16 are on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursdays. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide.