"In hindsight, I would do a lot differently."
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Nikki Jetha was the first candidate to be fired from the BBC’s The Apprentice.
Headed by Lord Alan Sugar, the 20th series of the business competition saw 20 new candidates jet off to Hong Kong.
They were tasked with sourcing nine items at low prices, testing their logistical and negotiation skills.
Nikki put herself forward as Project Manager for the Girls’ Team, while Georgina Newton was appointed as the Sub-Team Leader.
However, for both the Boys and the Girls, the discount buying task was horrifyingly shambolic.
While the Boys managed to source three correct items, the Girls bought only two.
Throughout the task, Nikki Jetha was criticised for her lack of strategy, leadership, and vision.
Despite Lord Sugar providing her team with maps and brochures, little attention was given to them.
Nikki’s team spent hours running through the streets of Hong Kong trying to find items, but was hampered by a lack of direction and limited geographic knowledge.
At one point, Nikki’s half of the team lost their driver, which caused them to arrive at the finishing location over two hours late.
The lack of items bought and arriving late incurred them fines.
Surprisingly, after the task, Lord Sugar met the candidates in Hong Kong and was visibly angered by the chaos from both teams.
While both teams faced hefty fines, the Girls’ team lost with a larger spend of 10,200 HKD (£946).
Despite the Girls losing the task, Lord Sugar also chastised the Boys for their poor performance even though they won.
As the task was so poorly executed, the business magnate asked Nikki and Georgina to pick two people to bring back into the boardroom.
Nikki Jetha was the first to be fired from the process, with Lord Sugar saying:
“Yes, you put yourself forward as the Project Manager, very brave.
“But you were two hours late, and you only got one item. You were the overall Project Manager.
“And so, it is with regret that you’re fired.”
Lord Sugar also fired Georgina for getting over-emotional and for regretting her choice of bringing people back into the final boardroom.
Off-screen, Nikki Jetha was asked whether she deserved to leave The Apprentice.
She said: “No, definitely not. I was brave enough to stand up and take on a challenge during the first task.
“I did not get to show more of myself and what I’m capable of, but I definitely don’t feel defeated.
“You know, I stepped forward, I took a risk, and I own the outcome.
“It was, you know, unfamiliar territory.
“Not knowing the process, let alone the country, and not having internet and things like that.
“But I did the best I could do under the pressure, with limited information, and I’d rather be fired for stepping up than staying safe in the background.
“There’s a saying that ships are safest in the harbour, but that’s not what they’re built for.”
The 33-year-old mortgage broker asserted that she would have done things differently, continuing:
“In hindsight, I would do a lot differently, but that’s just the luxury you don’t get, unfortunately.
“But I trusted my instincts, I made decisive calls, and I’ll do that again.
“I guess I did something that many people think about, but they don’t actually stand up and do.”
About her teammates, Nikki added: “There were some people who weren’t team players, and they didn’t contribute.
“You know, they spent more time complaining and moaning, as opposed to giving ideas and working out how we can push forward.”
But, it’s clearly not the end for Nikki, as she concluded: “I’m doing exactly what I do best.
“I’m a mortgage advisor, I’m still advising my clients, growing my business and building my brand, but ultimately, I’m still a mum, family-focused.
“But I’m definitely not slowing down, and this is not the last you have seen of me.”
When asked why she deserved Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment, Nikki Jetha had previously said:
“No matter what challenges I’ve faced, my focus on business has never wavered.
“I’m one of the top advisors in my company, a position I didn’t achieve by luck but through relentless hard work, strategic thinking and an unshakable drive to be the best.
“Even during some of life’s biggest challenges, I never stopped working, never lost momentum, and never made excuses.
“I continued to push forward, proving that no obstacle is big enough to slow me down.”
“Lord Sugar is looking for someone who won’t just talk the talk but will outwork, outlast, and outperform the competition.
“I don’t just have the numbers to back me up.
“I have the mindset, resilience and determination that separate winners from the rest.”
Nikki has also cited Kim Kardashian as her business role model.
The Apprentice continues on Thursday, February 5, 2026, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, at 9 pm.
The 18 remaining candidates will be tasked with creating a storybook aimed at children.
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