The Apprentice boardroom 'is a scary place to be'

Max England tells BBC Radio Surrey about his experience on The Apprentice

The Apprentice candidate Max England has opened up about facing Lord Sugar.

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey ahead of Thursday's episode, the former tennis pro looked back on losing a task as project manager and the "heated discussion" in the boardroom.

Mr England, from Surrey, led a team in week three during a sourcing challenge in Stratford-upon-Avon, which saw hair transplant consultant Carlo Brancati sent home.

"That was a very difficult week for me," he said.

The contestants were tasked with finding a list of nine items associated William Shakespeare but Mr England's team narrowly missed out.

As project manager, Mr England faced Lord Sugar with two other contestants in a "heated" boardroom debate.

He said: "We were close but we didn't quite get it over the line.

"It's a scary place to be if you've project managed the task, you've lost the task and you've got Lord Sugar to answer to."

He added: "I definitely gave it some fight in that boardroom and lived to fight another day."

Sworn to secrecy

Going into week six of the show's 19th season, the e-commerce senior account manager has won two challenges and lost three.

But he says he is mostly pleased with how he has come across on the series so far.

"There are some moments that have been a little bit more difficult than others to watch back," he said.

Mr England has said although he knows who wins, he is sworn to secrecy - despite his friends efforts to get him to spill all.

He said: "Especially after a pint or two. That's when they really try and coax it out of me.

"I've been good so far. Obviously we're under strict NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and have to be really careful about what we can and can't say."

If he wins Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment, Mr England plans to open a chain of premium indoor courts for the racquet sport, padel.

The Apprentice continues on BBC One and the iPlayer at 21:00 GMT on Thursday.