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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Gabriella Ferlita

The Apprentice star Joe Phillips totally unrecognisable years before meeting Lord Sugar

The Apprentice recently kicked off, and fans have noticed that contestant Joe Phillips looked unrecognisable before embarking on the show.

The man, who dubbed himself the 'James Bond of the business world', swapped out his adventurous safari career in South Africa for Lord Sugar’s boardroom in a bid to win a £250,000 investment for his business.

Prior to heading on the BBC series, Joe studied Zoology at the University of Exeter before travelling to South Africa to become a safari guide.

Viewers saw how Joe scrubbed up nicely in a suit and white shirt, whilst wearing his blonde hair in a smart short back and sides style, as he offered to become project manager in the first episode.

Joe Phillips is one of this year's Apprentice contestants (BBC)

But previously, his friends, family and former employers would have seen his slightly more laid-back looks, as he wore his hair in a long surfer style as he regularly hit the beach and made the most of the stunning South African weather.

One of his older snaps show the young lad wearing a rugby shirt and covered in mud after a successful training session, whilst another picture shows the star cuddling an adorable pup as he posed topless on the grass.

He was also pictured in a pair of beach shorts as he headed down to the coast, showcasing his strong muscles - his previous lifestyle undoubtedly feeling miles away in the grey London weather.

Joe was diagnosed with dyslexia at school and said it was a ‘driving force’ for him to succeed and prove his capabilities in the business world.

The star looked worlds away before joining the show (Instagram/joe.phillips7)
He had a very different life in South Africa (Instagram/joe.phillips7)

Elsewhere, among the usual city bankers and accountants, the show sees a wide range of applicants with careers in everything from martial arts to selling wedding dresses are being considered.

But behind their business’ mindsets and impressive figures sees the Apprentice stars’ very glamorous lives, which includes jet-setting off on holiday and heading out to indulge in a spot of nightlife.

One of the hair salon owners named Rochelle Anthony claims to be the " Kim Kardashian of the business world" as she brings "a hint of glam" to the business world.

Elsewhere on the upcoming series, Hertfordshire-based hairdresser owner Dani Donovan has recently returned from a weekend of jet-setting in Milan, Italy in October.

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