Fired Apprentice candidate picks his winner ahead of Sunday's final

“One of the greatest tragedies in our society is that many children leave school without being able to read, write and do basic maths,” he said. “Xpert Tutor will massively reduce this and allow every child the opportunity for support in their education – irrelevant of wealth or background.

An interesting concept for a man known as "Tory Boy", following a stint spent working in David Cameron’s parliamentary office.

Mr Van Emden, who also runs his own law firm and political think tank, told the JC: “Unfortunately for me, [my plan] didn’t get before Claude Littner and Lord Sugar felt I wasn’t his business partner.

“However, I think it’s a good business idea which is morally sound and also a very profitable business model.” He hopes to have the project up and running in six months.

In the meantime, however, he will spend Sunday night on the couch, glued to The Apprentice final.

He said: “When you’re out of the show you suddenly become a spectator and end up screaming at the TV just like everybody else, although you know it’s a lot harder than it looks.”

Mr Van Emden, who attends Edgware United Synagogue, said his money was on James White to win.

“I worked with James for all three weeks I was there,” he said. “He’s someone I was very, very impressed with so I’m sticking with my original gut feeling that he will win.”

As for Sarah Lynn, who is vying with James to be Apprentice champion, he said: "Sarah is a lovely girl who has come across really well. She has probably been the most consistent candidate."