The Apprentice fans 'in tears' as Nick is eighth star to get the boot from Lord Sugar

The Apprentice candidate Nick Showering was given the boot by Lord Sugar in tonight's episode - and fans were left "in tears" as they didn't want to see him go.

The qualified accountant, 31, failed to impress the business mogul following this week's challenge.

The remaining contestants were tasked with running a racing-themed corporate away day at Silverstone.

The team who made the biggest overall profit found themselves on the winner's podium while on the losing team it will be the end of the road for at least one candidate.

In the boardroom, Lord Sugar got revved up - and for Nick it was the end of the race, making him the eighth Apprentice star to be told "You're fired!"

Nick Showering has been fired by Lord Sugar (BBC)

Unimpressed by Nick's poor negotiation skills, Lord Sugar announced: "Nick, for eight weeks I’ve been waiting for you to get off the starting line, but regretfully the chequered flag has been waved, and so, it is with regret Nick... you're fired."

Taking to Twitter, fans shared their disappointment as Nick was booted off.

One person wrote: "Damn I had Nick down as the winner lol …….. #TheApprentice."

A second penned: "Not Nick. I’m sad. #TheApprentice."

"I'm crying and s****ing over the fact Nick has been fired #TheApprentice," a third added.

Last week, fans of the BBC One show saw Sophie Wilding get kicked off.

She was accused of being 'rude' by fans over her exit of the boardroom after being fired by Lord Sugar.

The 32-year-old looked gutted to become the latest casualty of Lord Sugar's boardroom and could only muster a simple 'thanks' to the business tycoon before heading out the door.

In the dying moments of the latest episode, Sophie was given the boot for her team's 'tacky driverless party pods'.

And fans of the show took to Twitter to criticise the ex-candidate for failing to acknowledge Lord Sugar's investment in her career during her time on the show.

One said: "Sophie did not say thank you for the opportunity to Lord Sugar...Tut Tut! #TheApprentice."

Alan Sugar is looking for his winner (BBC)

Another wrote: "Ooh Sophie what no, thank you Lord Sugar for the opportunity or Karen and Tim. Bit sulky #TheApprentice."

A third asked: "Did Sophie even say “thanks for the opportunity” babe dipped quickly #TheApprentice."

*The Apprentice airs Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One.