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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Gemma Jones

BBC's The Apprentice's Akshay is fired after 'awkward' shopping channel challenge

Akshay Thakrar was sent home by Lord Alan Sugar this week on The Apprentice.

This week's episode saw the ambitious entrepreneurs work in teams to sell items on a shopping channel.

But viewers at home branded the episode as 'hectic' and 'awkward' as the BBC show's contestants put their presenting skills to the test as they tried to sell products live on television.

READ MORE: Former Apprentice star still 'traumatised' after show leak about sexuality

The episode saw Aaron snapping at his team as they attempted to flog inflatable flamingos as well as a solar-powered owl light.

Teammates Harpreet and Akeem selected the items to sell as Aaron said: "I just don't know who's going to buy it!"

Akeem tried to defend his opinion as he said: "It's a good quality flamingo, these handles are heavy duty, it's very light weight and it can also be reduced down and packed away to be transported to wherever we are going."

The Apprentice was 'awkward' and 'hectic' as one team tried to sell a pink flamingo (BBC)

Aaron just shook his head in disbelief as realisation of trying to sell a giant pink inflatable flamingo dawned on him.

On the other team, Stephanie looked awkward as she took on the role of presenter and had Akshay prompting her with things to say.

At one point he confused her as he asked her to tell the viewers the item will be 'life-changing' before telling her to actually not give it that description.

Fans on Twitter couldn't believe the chaos on their screens.

Sean said: "This is so awkward, it’s hilarious! #TheApprentice"

Kirstin said: "That was epic … absolute car crash. #TheApprentice"

Fa said: "What a hectic episode! #TheApprentice" followed by a laughing face emoji.

Emma said: "After witnessing this car crash, I will be putting money on the flamingo to be Lord Sugar's next business partner #TheApprentice"

It ended with Stephanie, Akshay and Kathryn in the hot seat facing elimination from Lord Alan Sugar in the boardroom.

The team argued among themselves, blaming each other for their downfall, before Lord Sugar cut in and said: "I've had enough of this."

He picked flaws in each of the three contestant's strategies, before he made a final decision.

The entrepreneur said: "Akshay, there's no smoke without fire. You have lost eight out of nine tasks. You're not a bad fellow but my gut feeling is telling me you're not for me.

"So, Akshay, it is with regret that you're fired."

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