Several The Apprentice viewers were left dumbfounded on Thursday evening after witnessing which of the remaining contestants were booted off the show at the final hurdle.
In the penultimate episode of the series, BBC viewers got to see Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards, Dr Paul Midha, Phil Turner and Rachel Woolford all face the intense scrutiny of the interviews stage to see how their business proposals stood up.
The show has already faced its fair share of criticism so far this season, especially given contestant Phil sailing through week after week despite being on the losing team more often than not.
In the end, his track record didn't appear to matter as Phil and his pie shop business plan sailed through to the final, despite fumbling over the numbers of his plan following an intense grilling from Lord Sugar's pal Mike Souttar.
However, Phil appeared to tug at the heartstrings of fellow interviewer Claudine Collins when he delved into his reasons for starting the business and opening up about his family.
Lord Sugar decided Phil should face boutique fitness studio owner Rachel in next week's finale after gathering the final five in the boardroom - and while the pair were elated, fans at home didn't share the same joy.
The Apprentice final five faced the interviews on Thursday
BBC
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, following the outcome, one fan fumed: "Oh Phil’s bl**dy pies, this is such a fix #TheApprentice."
A second echoed: "How the f*** has Phil pulled this one off? I don't like calling it a fix...but it has definitely been fixed #TheApprentice."
"FIX get Phil off my telly #TheApprentice," another blasted before a fourth fumed: "Phil quite possibly has the worst record in the #TheApprentice , 9 losses 9 weeks straight, and he's in the bl**dy final??? FIX."
Elsewhere, a fifth hit out: "Can't believe Phil is in the final. 9 loses and 1 win. If he wins, it's definitely a fix for sure... #TheApprentice."
The Apprentice's Phil and Rachel were chosen as the final two
BBC
And a sixth brutally surmised: "This has been the biggest fix this year! All the tasks were pointless. #TheApprentice."
However, the Apprentice finalist did received some congratulatory messages after securing his spot in the last two.
One fan argued on the social media site: "Phil the legend has made it to the final #TheApprentice."
Before a second celebrated: "Let's go Phil! Not wanted a contestant to win it so much, seems like a genuine nice guy #TheApprentice." (sic)
After bagging a spot in the final as the penultimate episode of the series drew to a close, Phil revealed to viewers just what the opportunity meant to him.
Speaking to his fellow finalist Rachel in the taxi home, Phil said: "I am so excited.
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The Apprentice's Lord Sugar sparked a 'fix' row with his decision
BBC
"I can't actually believe what just happened," he added, to which Rachel replied: "What the hell?! I am in shock.
"I genuinely cannot believe that. It's the pies versus the gym," she added before sharing a laugh with Phil.
The final of The Apprentice airs on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.
