"I was true to myself" says Newbridge native after being fired on The Apprentice

The Apprentice returned to BBC One for its 17th series last night and Kildare woman Emma Browne was the first to be fired.

However self-confessed workaholic Emma from Newbridge said she believes host Lord Alan Sugar made the wrong decision to ask her to leave the show. 

Emma and the 17 other candidates were tasked with creating and selling excursions to tourists in Antigua in the Caribbean.

The senior account executive said today: "Truth be told, I was absolutely devastated when I was fired, I couldn't understand why and I really didn't feel it was a fair decision and it seems many of you agree."

Lord Alan Sugar told her: "There's no smoke without fire, and everyone has said you're a disruptor."

Emma said today:  

"Thank you to each and everyone one of you who has reached out and supported me.

"Truth be told, I was absolutely devastated when I was fired, I couldn't understand why and I really didn't feel it was a fair decision and it seems many of you agree.

"You guys are saying, that you hope I make a surprise return on the show, but unfortunately my journey on the The Apprentice has come to an end."

She added: "I am still so proud and grateful to have been chosen to be on a show which millions of viewers watch, and thousands of people apply for; one thing I can say is I was truly myself, remained kind but opinionated."

Speaking on The Dermot & Dave Show on Today FM on Friday morning, about what she thought of the other candidates on the show, Emma said:

“They just wanted a trip to the Caribbean, they wanted a little boat trip. I was there to sell and I was there to show what I was able to do. Unfortunately it was me (that was voted off) and going on the show obviously there was a chance I was going to hear those words (You’re fired!) but to be honest with you when I walked in last and all the other candidates were there I thought to myself ‘Jesus I have this in the bag’ and I’m going to be in the final.”

On why she still sticks to her business decision despite being voted off the show, Emma said:

“I’m in sales, it’s where my experience lies and the location you choose to sell is absolutely key. I knew St. John’s Harbour was the busiest tourist destination in the Caribbean so I thought why are we choosing a beach? The last thing I want when I’m on the beach sunbathing is someone coming up selling me a boat tour. So I put forward my opinion on that and was voted off on the basis that I was disruptive but even on the beach, even if I didn’t open my mouth and we didn’t continue to have the same conversations there was still no one to sell to on that beach”

On what it was like being in front of Lord Alan Sugar, Emma  said:

“It was so surreal, I felt like I was in a dream to be honest and I still do! He’s not as mean as he maybe comes across.”

On the interview process to be on the show, Emma said:

“I first applied for ‘The Apprentice’ last January, went for auditions in February and went through like ten to eleven rounds of interviews. It’s meant to be the toughest job interview in the world they say so I’m capable of anything now. I then went over to London from the end of March/April and was away for about five weeks.”

Speaking immediately after the decision to axe her from the show, Emma said she didn't agree with the outcome but accepted it nevertheless. 

She said: "I’m not going to be a sore loser. I put myself forward and someone had to go. I’m not painful about it.

"I spent so much time doing a business plan that I probably wouldn’t have spent as much time doing if it wasn’t for The Apprentice."

Reiterating that Lord Sugar's decision was the wrong one, she added: "If he had been there during the task, his opinion could have been completely different, but I suppose that he’s made his decision from other people’s judgments," she said.

"I got the most sales. I was accurate in saying the beach wasn’t a good location. I brought a lot of energy to the girls’ team, which I think was seen as well and highlighted. I am a very positive person, and I remained positive throughout."