'The Apprentice' 2016 runner-up Courtney Wood has branded the show "flawed" for having two winners this year.

Courtney Wood

Courtney Wood

For the first time in the show's 13-year history, Lord Sugar declared the contest a tie, crowning both finalists James White and Sarah Lynn joint victors in last night's final (17.12.17), but the novelty gift company owner - who lost out to cake maker Alana Spencer in last year's show - has hit out at the decision.

He told The Sun newspaper: "It seems farcical that a television show could have more than one winner.

"'Strictly Come Dancing' had one winner. 'The Great British Bake Off' had one winner.

"I would have loved to be known as the winner of 'The Apprentice' but sharing that crown with someone else takes the glory away."

Courtney speculated the BBC show could even be axed if viewers lose faith in the format.

He said: "The general public will lose faith in the show after this.

"Now we have two winners at the end of the process, does the show work any more?

"The format is completely flawed. Lord Sugar is a great businessman and has had a fantastic career so I'm surprised he has been this indecisive."

Courtney tweeted: "Big congrats to the winners of this years #theapprentice I wish them every success with their businesses. But do we want to watch a show for 12 weeks to see a score draw? (sic)"

Joint-winner and recruitment company owner James was quick to defend 'The Apprentice'.

He said: "Lord Sugar isn't going soft. The candidates were strong this year.

"To double the investment and showcase that he can have two successful businesses is a good thing."

Sarah, who runs a confectionery company, added: "It was a huge shock but for us it was a fantastic result because no one was sad, there's no runner-up and we both got what we came for

"I hope what viewers see is that Lord Sugar has done something really different and unique in terms of business.

"But I do understand some may be upset there wasn't an ultimate winner."

Lord Sugar has spent the past 12 weeks hunting for his next business partner but when it came down to it, he couldn't decide who he wanted to give his £250,000 investment to.

So the 70-year-old business magnate chose both finalists to be his partners, and rather than split the £250,000 between them, they will each receive the huge sum.

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