Who was fired from The Apprentice 2025? Aoibheann Walsh is the second candidate to be axed by Lord Sugar after disastrous blunder in virtual pop star challenge

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By LUCY MURGATROYD and JASON CHESTER FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 17:01 EST, 6 February 2025 | Updated: 19:42 EST, 6 February 2025

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Aoibheann Walsh is the second candidate to be axed from this year's series of the BBC show after losing a battle of wills in the boardroom with Amber Rose Badrudin and Nadia Suliaman.

Her elimination comes hot on the heels of Emma Rothwell's elimination, who was the first person to leave the competition last week.

Self made hair and beauty salon owner Aoibheann, from County Donegal, heard the dreaded words'you're fired' from Lord Alan Sugar on Thursday evening following a disastrous foray into the music industry.

Week two saw the remaining entrepreneurs creating their own virtual pop stars, but not everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet.

Each group were tasked with creating their own virtual pop star avatar, recording and producing their own song with a music video.

A digitally altered and remarkably younger looking Lord Sugar explained to the candidates that the team with the most revenue would be crowned winners of the task.

Aoibheann Walsh has become the second candidate to be axed from this year's series of the BBC show

Self made hair and beauty salon owner Aoibheann, from County Donegal, heard the dreaded words of 'you're fired' from Lord Alan Sugar on Thursday evening

She became the second casualty after losing a battle of wills in the boardroom with Amber Rose Badrudin and Nadia Suliaman

Amber Rose took on the role of project manager yet again and came up with the brand Fred & Nadz, before getting to work on hip-hop inspired track Tables Are Turning.

But Aoibheann's decision to embellish it with AI enhanced vocals would ultimately be her downfall.

There was more disharmony in the ranks as power crazed Amber Rose labelled outspoken team member Nadia 'disruptive' - prompting a spat that would spill over into the boardroom.

Meanwhile Anisa spearheaded brand Bami, but their disjointed piano led tune won few admirers during a subsequent pitch to bemused investors.

Indeed, a launch party held to seduce potential partners ended badly, with Frederick corrected on his pronunciation of 'Alpha Romeo' and Anisa discovering her successful procurement of a £250,000, four year sponsorship deal came with a catch.

It was an exasperated Lord Sugar to inform her that an agreed 12-month get out clause meant the sponsor might only be liable for £50,000 of the agreed fee.

Fred & Nadz ultimately got three brands to invest £112,000 in sponsorship deals, while Bami got £215,000.

Amber-Rose brought back Aoibheann and Nadia Suliaman, but it was Aoibheann who had to go after taking the fall for their track's awful AI enhanced vocals.

Week two saw the remaining entrepreneurs creating their own virtual pop stars, but not everyone was singing from the same hymn sheet

A digitally altered and remarkably younger looking Lord Sugar explained to the candidates that the team with the most revenue would be crowned winners of the task

Each group were tasked with creating their own virtual pop star avatar, recording and producing their own song with a music video

'I have already identified a gap in the market, secured patents, and developed prototypes; what I need now is an investor like Lord Sugar to amplify the reach of my products.'

An unimpressed Lord Sugar said: 'Aoibheann, one of the big mistakes being made here was digitising the voice, which put a lot of people off…

'On balance, Aoibheann, I don’t think in the last two tasks I’ve actually heard much from you or see you do much.

'So, I’m sorry to say, Aoibheann, you’re fired.'

The salon owner was devastated with his choice, and after the obligatory walk to the waiting taxi, admitted: 'I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t really get the opportunity to shine.

'I do wish I did speak out a little more and if I did, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here right now.'

Ultimately, it was Aoibheann who had to go and deciding to use AI enhanced vocals on her brand's promotional track

The salon owner was devastated with his choice, and after the obligatory walk to the waiting taxi, admitted: 'I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t really get the opportunity to shine'

'I do wish I did speak out a little more and if I did, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here right now,' she added

Before heading on the show, Aoibheann explained why she deserved to win Lord Sugar's investment.

She said: 'Like him, I have achieved my success through hard work and perseverance alone.

'This is highlighted due to my proven track record of success in one of the most lucrative industries.

'I can present a business model that maximises profit potential while minimising risk.

'I have already identified a gap in the market, secured patents, and developed prototypes; what I need now is an investor like Lord Sugar to amplify the reach of my products.'

Speaking about her business plan, she said: 'I have designed a unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, makeup artists, and costume designers on the go.

'In my experience within the beauty and hair industry, I noticed a significant problem: the tools that artists typically wear are often not functional, ergonomic, or aesthetically appealing, nor was there any focus on hygiene.

'This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic, but also enhances the entire creative process.'

Watch The Apprentice on Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One or stream it on iPlayer.