'The Apprentice' contestant Richard Woods says he hid his strokes from Lord Alan Sugar because he didn't want to appear fragile.

Apprentice contestant Richard Woods

Apprentice contestant Richard Woods

The 31-year-old Digital Marketing Director had three mini strokes before applying for the show but failed to disclose his medical history as he was worried producers would not choose him to take part.

He told The Sun newspaper: "I knew they wouldn't put someone on who had strokes.

"They are normally associated with stress and being fragile. I left it off the application, knowing what I was doing."

Richard has made it to the final five contestants on this year's show and will face an interview with Claude Littner on tonight's (16.12.15) show.

The business executive replaced Nick Hewer as one of Lord Alan Sugar's aides on the current series of the business contest but has also reprised his previous role in the interview stage of the process.

He said: "'I have come to know exactly what Lord Sugar needs and expects from his business partners through years of working with him, and he knows I will be honest in my evaluations. While I have had a more extensive role this year as Lord Sugar's aide, I am still very much looking forward to interviewing the final five candidates and reviewing their business plans thoroughly, as always."

Claude will be joined by regulars Mike Soutar and Claudine Collins as well as first time interviewer Linda Plant.

He and the other interviewers then advise Lord Sugar who to take through to the final task to battle it out for the £250,000 investment.


Tagged in