THIS is the Apprentice episode everyone seems to love watching – business plans are scrutinised before gruelling and challenging interviews from some of Lord Sugar’s closest business allies.

The interviews still send shivers down my spine – I will never forget my first interview with Claude. I introduced myself and went for the handshake, he said he knew who I was and left me hanging – and that was probably the nicest bit!

Taking each of the candidates in turn, let’s start with Roisin. My favourite for the title, her business plan was a unique low calorie ready meal.

The main problem, however, was that her product wasn’t unique at all. Her extensive research – all six people that she spoke to at the supermarket – should have told her this.

It’s a massive shame, because she did have the joint best record in the process, going about her work quietly but effectively. To be fired on your business plan is gutting – I should know – maybe she is deserving of the ‘right woman, wrong plan’ mantra!

I’m sure she’s kicking herself today with the thought of what could have been, but my advice for Roisin would be to learn from the mistake, change the plan but not the end goal, and try again.

Experience is what you gain when you fail, and the process offers you so much, both personally and professionally, so I’m sure that she will do well going forward.

If Roisin was unfortunate, Solomon was unbelievable. Apparently, his plan was made up of just four pages – hardly Hobbes’s Leviathan!

My business plan was widely considered the worst last year, but I still made the effort to draft 12 pages!

Poor preparation let him down here – he has been a good candidate throughout, and I’m sure Lord Sugar would have considered his concept seriously had he made the effort.

He also gave us the moment of the episode – built up by praise from Claude on his CV, only to be shot down when he was told his business plan was a ‘disgrace’, and to leave the room.

His attempt to walk out a window even brought a flicker of a smile to Claude’s face! Solomon was the youngest finalist at 23, so can leave with his head held high, but hopefully out of the right door this time!

As for Daniel, was he still in the process? I’m still struggling to determine how he came third having been in the final boardroom four times. 

I know Lord Sugar likes a ‘tryer’ but he definitely lasted 10 tasks longer than expected.

My personal highlight of this episode was his lie about being named 'Salesman of the Year' on his CV – watching him squirm was hilarious. I also enjoyed Claude making him speechless – there’s a first time for everything.

So we’re down to the final two: Mark vs Bianca – the salesman vs the concept.

Mark deserves to be in final after being the top seller throughout. He may be a little sneaky sometimes, but he has been a strong candidate and his business plan is based heavily in his expertise.

Sticking to what you know is the best policy, and I feel he has a great chance of winning the investment.

Bianca reminds me of Leah a little – quietly going about her work and improving week on week. If you look at her stats, she has been the most successful candidate throughout the process, so is definitely worth her place in the final two.

People have found her hard to gel with, as she has certainly put up a mask in front of her throughout, but the interviews certainly showed how much she wants it – though I wouldn’t ever advocate breaking down in tears!

As for her plan, I don’t know much about tights, but my wife says she’s on to a winner. Certainly, Lord Sugar and his aids agreed, and if it’s based solely on the business plan, then she wins hands down.

Only one question remains: will Lord Sugar choose Mark or Bianca?

- Neil Clough was a semi-finalist in the 2013 series of The Apprentice. He grew up in Warrington and attended Woolston High School.