BBC The Apprentice viewers were left squirming in their seats during this week’s episode, which many have dubbed the “worst episode yet”.
The episode, which aired on Thursday (February 6), saw the hopeful candidates descend upon London’s Frameless Immersive Art Experience to receive their latest task.
They had to create a virtual pop star, record a hit single and produce a music video, before securing sponsorship at a launch event.
The team that raked in the most revenue would be crowned the winners.
One team opted for a Taylor Swift-esque character, embodying female empowerment and inspiring women across generations.
The Apprentice viewers were left cringing during a music task on Thursday (Image: BBC)
On the other hand, the rival team decided to craft a rap artist who sang about hustle culture – a mindset that promotes long working hours and prioritising work over personal life, reports .
Once the initial ideas were set, half of each team set off to build their brand, while the remaining members headed to the famous Tileyard Studios to record their tracks.
Last year’s contestant, Tre Lowe, was there to lend a helping hand as the teams attempted to create a chart-topping hit, with several candidates even trying their luck at singing the vocals themselves.
However, this didn’t sit well with fans, who swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment. One disgruntled viewer wrote: “This just might be the worst episode of #TheApprentice I’ve ever watched in my life.”
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The candidates were tasked with creating a virtual pop star on Thursday (Image: BBC)
“Nearly spat my tea with that singing,” one viewer exclaimed, while another shared their discomfort: “Watching #TheApprentice… I don’t think I’ve ever cringed so hard in my life my toes are permanently curled.”
Another chimed in with a similar reaction: “Imagine having to sit in that Boardroom listening to these songs. I feel sorry for absolutely everyone involved in this task and the crew filming it. So much collective embarrassment.”
Ultimately, the investors were not impressed by the rap act, criticising it for potentially alienating a wide audience due to its heavy focus on money.
In the boardroom showdown, Lord Sugar decided to say goodbye to Aoibheann Walsh, citing her lack of significant contribution to the tasks at hand.
The Apprentice is available to stream on iPlayer