The Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur has announced the devastating news that her father has died.
The 30-year-old businesswoman is the co-owner of a dessert parlour and shared the heartbreaking news on social media with her fans.
Harpreet won the 2022 series of BBC1 show The Apprentice after battling 17 other candidates for the £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar.
Posting to her followers on Instagram, Harpreet said: "Love you forever dad. Thank you for your kind messages. My father sadly passed away yesterday. If I don't get back to you at this difficult time, just know that your kind words are appreciated and mean a lot."
In another post, the businesswoman shared photos of her father and her family. She included photos from her childhood as well as more recent holidays.
Harpreet captioned it: "We all love you forever dad 1963-2023 rest peacefully now x"
She was then flooded with thousands of messages from people showing their support.
Current Apprentice contestant Rochelle Anthony said: "Ahh Harpreet! That's really really sad! I am so sorry for your loss!! I cannot understand what you are going through. I just know your dad is looking down on you so very proud of the courageous woman he created! thinking of you"
Winner of the first series of the show and current aide to Lord Sugar, Tim Campbell commented: "Forever rest his soul So sorry to the news Harpreet and all love and thoughts from our family to yours at this sad time."
Former Apprentice finalist Khadija Kalifa also added: " I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love!"
Harpreet won the 2022 series after weeks of tasks set by Lord Sugar. She managed to pip Kathryn Burn to the post and secured the £250,000 investment.
Harpreet joined forces with Lord Sugar as he invested in her sweet business Oh So Yum! The dessert parlour is available in store and online and offers a range of baked goods and sweets.
The winner recently returned to our screens as the 2023 series got underway. She appeared on The Apprentice: You're Fired, hosted by comedian Tom Allen.
However, after spotting Harpreet's former co-star Akshay Thakrar in the audience, Tom hinted he was in attendance for reasons more so than just being a former contestant.
Harpreet admitted: "Well, since the show and in the past few months, you know, something has blossomed between us."
She appeared a little embarrassed and smitten while the questioning continued with Tom joking: "Is it a £250,000 investment?"
Harpreet commented: "I feel like you're waiting for more juicy details, aren't you?," leading to an excited Tom asking her to "tell us everything".
She denied anything happened between the pair whilst filming the show as they were both fully focused on the competition.
The pair built up a friendship after the show and things continues to go from strength to strength.
